Pro Bono

THE ARCHDIOCESAN LEGAL NETWORK OF CATHOLIC CHARITIES (ALN)

FAQs About DOT's Pro Bono and Volunteer Services Policy

I. Definitions and Limitations

What types of services may I provide under the policy?

Rule 49: Performing Pro Bono Legal Work in the District of Columbia

Rule 49 of the D.C. Court of Appeals rules discusses the unauthorized practice of law in D.C. courts. Rule 49(c)(9)(C) provides that federal government attorneys can handle matters in D.C. courts under certain circumstances. This provision was put into the rule with encouragement from the Department in 1996, and incorporated into a full-scale amendment to the rule in early 1998.

If you are interested in doing pro bono legal work and do not know where to start, perhaps the following information can help:

The Department's pro bono policy encourages employees to provide pro bono legal service within their communities.  To implement the Department's policy, General Counsel Kirk K. Van Tine established the Pro Bono Services Committee.  The Committee seeks to promote pro bono legal service, provide guidance on the ethical and legal considerations involved in performing such service, and present information regarding appropriate pro bono legal opportunities for DOT attorneys.