Pro bono survey shows key role of State Bar members in justice system

In October 2005, the State Bar conducted a survey of Wisconsin lawyers' pro bono contributions. The purpose of the survey was to develop a better picture of the different types of pro bono contributions made by Bar members and the role that they play in providing access to the justice system for those who cannot afford an attorney.

The survey suggests that State Bar members are the largest single contributor by far towards serving the unmet needs of those in Wisconsin who cannot afford a lawyer. According to State Bar Pro Bono Coordinator Jeff Brown, "When you look at just the data reported by Wisconsin lawyers in private practice, for example, they contributed 66,419 hours of free legal services worth at least $10,959,135 last year and another 63,502 hours of reduced fee legal services worth approximately $5,238,915. By comparison, federal Legal Services Corporation funding in Wisconsin last year was a little over $4 million. This survey shows an outstanding contribution by our members and we're committed to doing what we can to make sure that it continues."

Read survey report.

• Appendix A: Annual Pro Bono Contributions by Various Demographics
• Appendix B: Incentives for Increased Pro Bono Contributions by Various Demographics