There is no universal rule in the United States regarding whether attorneys have to report their pro bono legal service. Some states have mandatory pro bono reporting, some states have voluntary pro bono reporting, and others have not implemented any procedure.
As New York's “50-hour Rule” has evolved from proposal to policy, other statesformally considered related requirements that tie pro bono to law licensing. New York is currently the only state with a pro bono bar admisison requirement.
The American Bar Association urges all lawyers to provide a minimum of 50 hours of pro bono services annually.
The state of New York requires all applicants to the New York Bar to complete 50 hours of law-related pro bono service before their time of application.
Under the New York State Pro Bono Requirement, persons applying for admission to the New York State Bar must file an affidavit showing that they have performed at least fifty hours of qualifying pro bono service.
The professional responsibility to provide pro bono legal services as established under this rule is aspirational rather than mandatory in nature. The failure to fulfill one's professional responsibility under this rule will not subject a lawyer to discipline.
Pro bono publico (English: 'for the public good'), usually shortened to pro bono, is a Latin phrase for professional work undertaken voluntarily and without payment. The term traditionally referred to provision of legal services by legal professionals for people who are unable to afford them.
Under the New York State Pro Bono Requirement, persons applying for admission to the New York State Bar must file an affidavit showing that they have performed at least fifty hours of qualifying pro bono service.
All law students seeking admission to the New York State (NYS) Bar after graduation must perform 50 hours of qualifying pro bono work. Like all components of the NYS Bar application, completion and certification of these pro bono hours is your responsibility.
Under the New York State Pro Bono Requirement, persons applying for admission to the New York State Bar must file an affidavit showing that they have performed at least fifty hours of qualifying pro bono service.