Pro bono legal services are increasingly popular among attorneys and law firms, with no signs of decline. Recently, lawyers have contributed record-setting hours to free services for those in need. According to the most recent data, 124 major law firms reported nearly 5 million hours of pro bono work—up 7.3% from the previous year. Data supports this rising trend and indicates a growing culture of service within the legal field. What are the main reasons for this surge? Below, we identify five key factors—from heightened community needs to evolving professional values—that explain why more attorneys and firms are engaging in pro bono activities.
Reason 1: Unmet Civil Legal Needs Fuel Demand for Pro Bono Services
One of the strongest forces behind the rise in pro bono work is the persistent, unmet demand for legal assistance among those who cannot afford counsel. Civil legal problems do not disappear simply because a person lacks funds to hire an attorney. Everyday issues – from eviction and domestic violence to healthcare access and veterans’ benefits – still end up in court or require legal help from solo practitioners and other legal professionals. Studies show that the vast majority of low-income Americans’ civil legal needs go unmet, creating a “justice gap” that volunteer lawyers are increasingly called to fill. According to the Legal Services Corporation (LSC), low-income Americans received no or inadequate legal help for 92% of their civil legal problems. In other words, only a tiny fraction of serious issues, such as family disputes or housing cases, receive the legal attention they require, emphasizing the need for more pro bono opportunities. Each unresolved problem is a potential pro bono case waiting for a willing attorney.
This justice gap has only grown more pressing in recent years. Economic strain, public health crises, and natural disasters have all contributed to surges in legal needs. For instance, waves of pandemic-related housing and employment issues left many vulnerable people facing complex legal challenges without local legal representation. Legal aid organizations and court self-help centers are often overwhelmed, forcing individuals to “go it alone” in high-stakes matters. In response, many bar associations and nonprofits have amplified calls for private attorneys to volunteer. When paid representation is out of reach, pro bono programs serve as the safety net, guiding people into the justice system. The continuous push of urgent cases into pro bono pipelines has compelled more attorneys to step up, simply because the need is so great. In short, unmet civil legal needs act as a catalyst. As long as vast numbers of people require help, the legal profession feels a moral and professional imperative to respond through pro bono service and commitment to public service.
Reason 2: Professional Norms and Law Firm Commitments Encourage Pro Bono
Another reason pro bono work is surging is that it has become deeply embedded in the legal profession's norms and structures. Modern attorneys face clear ethical expectations – and increasing institutional support – to devote time to pro bono service. The American Bar Association (ABA), for example, explicitly encourages every lawyer to contribute at least 50 hours of pro bono legal services per year. While this is an aspirational goal rather than a strict mandate, it establishes pro bono as a professional duty across the industry. Many state bar associations echo this call, and some jurisdictions have gone further by tracking or requiring pro bono activity. (Notably, New York State now requires aspiring attorneys to complete 50 hours of pro bono work as a commitment to pro bono for bar admission, and some states ask attorneys to report their pro bono hours annually.) These measures signal that serving the underserved is a core value of the legal profession.
Law firms have institutionalized pro bono programs on an unprecedented scale, moving from informal efforts to structured commitments like the Pro Bono Institute’s Challenge. Most large firms now have dedicated teams overseeing free legal services, with measurable goals such as contributing 3–5% of billable hours. This integration of pro bono work into business models creates a managed flow of cases rather than reliance on spontaneous volunteerism.
Transparent intake processes, internal tracking of pro bono hours, and leadership support encourage attorney participation. Many firms treat pro bono hours as billable or count them toward bonuses, incentivizing involvement. The legal industry now celebrates pro bono efforts, with surveys and rankings like The American Lawyer’s scorecard highlighting leaders. These factors, from ABA guidelines to firm policies, foster an environment that encourages lawyers to engage in pro bono work, increasing participation.
Reason 3: Social Consciousness and Lawyer Fulfillment Drive Participation
Beyond external pressures, a key driver of the pro bono surge is internal motivation. Lawyers increasingly do pro bono work to align with personal values, find meaning, and address social issues they care about. Social consciousness and moral purpose now motivate more lawyers than ever. Awareness of racial justice, immigrant rights, and income inequality has grown, prompting many legal professionals to get involved in pro bono work. A survey of large firms found 93.9% had increased or maintained pro bono efforts for racial justice. From aiding protesters and advocating policy change to providing legal representation for individual aid, attorneys are using their skills for causes that matter.
Lawyers find pro bono work personally rewarding, which boosts their commitment. Studies show high satisfaction levels: 70% of lawyers feel pro bono clients need their help, and 61% find the work extremely gratifying. This sense of making a difference offers a refreshing balance to commercial pressures and reflects a commitment to public service. Many attorneys say pro bono cases reignite their passion for law, reminding them why they entered the profession—to help people. After tough years of pandemic and social unrest, lawyers seek outlets to do good, and pro bono projects provide that, re-energizing and connecting them to their communities.
Younger attorneys and recent graduates prioritize impactful work and frequently ask about pro bono programs during interviews. With social movements influencing them, early-career lawyers view pro bono as integral, thereby increasing the number of volunteers. This grassroots drive, fueled by personal conviction, boosts pro bono work overall.
Reason 4: Professional Development and Business Benefits Make Pro Bono Appealing
Another reason for the pro bono boom is that it benefits attorneys’ skills and firms’ interests, creating a win-win. Law firms see pro bono as more than charity; it offers professional growth, recruitment advantages, and a boost to their reputation within the legal community. These benefits encourage firms to support more pro bono work because it makes good business sense.
For younger attorneys, pro bono cases are crucial for developing skills such as leadership, client interaction, and court appearances, offering valuable experience that might otherwise take years. Many litigators haven't argued in court until a pro bono case gave them that chance. This work enhances skills in counseling, advocacy, negotiation, and case management, while fostering empathy for clients facing hardship. Law firms increasingly see pro bono as a training tool for associates' case management and skills, sometimes linking it to skill development and CLE credits to encourage participation.
A strong pro bono program benefits firms by boosting recruitment, retention, and reputation. Top law students prefer firms that value community service and attorney growth. Pro bono work increases lawyer satisfaction and loyalty, providing meaningful work outside commercial practice. It also enhances public image, as industry awards often consider pro bono efforts. Active programs are more likely to be recognized, and high pro bono hours or impactful projects generate positive publicity. Participating in initiatives such as the ABA’s Pro Bono Challenge or local awards programs improves public relations.
Corporate clients value pro bono efforts and often collaborate on them, strengthening relationships within big law. Law firms frequently partner with client in-house legal teams on joint clinics or cases, enabling attorneys and client counsel to work together on causes for the greater good and enhancing professional bonds. These partnerships showcase shared values and can lead to more business. The business case for pro bono is clear: it attracts talent, develops skills, boosts morale, enhances prestige, and strengthens client ties. This creates internal motivation for firms to increase pro bono work, thereby fueling overall growth.
Reason 5: Technology and Remote Work Are Removing Barriers to Pro Bono Participation
The surge in pro bono work is driven by technology and remote legal practice, reducing barriers that once made volunteering logistically challenging, such as travel and paperwork. Digital platforms now make it easier for lawyers to contribute from anywhere.
The Internet has dramatically improved matching volunteers with cases through online portals like Pro Bono Net, which connects attorneys with opportunities, training, and resources. Attorneys can browse and volunteer for cases based on subject, urgency, or location, with support readily available. Law firms and bar associations also use software to manage pro bono programs, track cases, and notify lawyers of available matters. This tech-enabled system reduces missed cases and helps lawyers provide legal assistance based on their expertise.
The normalization of remote work and virtual meetings has made pro bono volunteering more convenient. During the COVID-19 pandemic, courts and legal providers rapidly adopted video conferencing, electronic filings, and remote collaboration tools. Attorneys could handle many client interactions and court appearances without leaving their office. This benefits pro bono by allowing lawyers to assist rural clients or attend legal clinics elsewhere via Zoom, phone, or email, saving travel time and costs. Virtual meeting tech, as one commentary noted, "expands the ability to help those in more remote areas” by connecting lawyers and clients online. Even depositions or hearings can be conducted remotely with court approval, enabling attorneys to volunteer across the country. Geography is no longer a significant barrier to pro bono.
Technology has improved pro bono case handling by reducing burdens with tools such as e-discovery and real-time transcription, enabling remote collaboration via cloud sharing. These innovations streamline workflows, minimize obstacles such as travel and record access, and encourage more attorneys to participate, thereby increasing pro bono hours.
Supporting Pro Bono Work with the Right Litigation Partner
Pro bono cases may be unpaid, but they demand the same professionalism as paying clients. When attorneys volunteer on tight schedules, reliable support makes a difference in delivering quality representation. Partnering with a trusted litigation services provider is valuable for pro bono teams. NAEGELI Deposition & Trial offers comprehensive deposition and trial prep support to keep cases on track under deadlines, such as court reporting, expedited transcripts, remote depositions, legal videography, real-time transcription, synchronized video-text, and interpretation services. We aim to handle logistical tasks so attorneys can focus on advocacy in their practice areas.
Do not let tight deadlines or limited resources impact your pro bono work. NAEGELI Deposition & Trial offers decades of experience helping legal teams in high-stakes cases and applies the same dedication to pro bono matters. To schedule depositions, discuss transcript turnaround, or explore trial support for your case, contact a client services professional at 1-800-528-3335 or email schedule@naegeliusa.com. Visit our website and click “SCHEDULE NOW” or use live chat to get started. Partnering with NAEGELI ensures attorneys meet court deadlines and handle records expertly, maintaining professional standards and making a difference.