SBM Seeks Applications for Pro Bono Honor Roll

The State Bar of Michigan invites individual attorneys, law firms and corporations to apply for the 2019 A Lawyer Helps Pro Bono Honor Roll (Honor Roll) by March 20.

SBM is launching the Honor Roll this year to offer individual attorneys and solo practitioners recognition for their qualifying pro bono service for the first time, in addition to recognition provided to law firms and corporations. The Honor Roll will recognize Michigan attorneys who have provided 30 or more hours of pro bono legal services in the previous calendar year. Individual attorneys, law firms and corporations will be recognized at one of three recognition levels for providing 30, 50 or 100+ hours of pro bono services in the 2018 calendar year. The State Bar will publicize the Honor Roll through postings on the web, in the Michigan Bar Journal and via other printed and electronic methods.

Individual attorneys and designated staff members, on behalf of their affiliated law firms and corporations, are encouraged to complete and submit an Honor Roll online application. The application is available on the State Bar of Michigan A Lawyer Helps website. The 2019 Honor Roll will be published in late April.

Attorneys who do not want to be publicly recognized for their pro bono services are still encouraged to report their pro bono service hours to the State Bar by submitting an application. The pro bono service information submitted will not be shared or publicized unless attorneys authorize the State Bar to include their names on the published version of the Honor Roll.

The provision of pro bono legal services to low-income people plays an essential role in providing access to justice for those in need. In 2014 alone, Michigan attorneys provided more than 32,000 hours of free legal help for low-income clients, making a significant impact toward increased access to justice.

For more information about the A Lawyer Helps Pro Bono Honor Roll, the application process and how you can find pro bono volunteer opportunities, contact SBM Pro Bono Service & Justice Initiatives Counsel Robert Mathis at ALHProBonoHonorRoll@michbar.org.