Glossary
Pro bono
Legal services provided for free by lawyers as a public service. Many state bars encourage or expect lawyers to do a certain number of pro bono hours each year, though it's not usually mandatory.
Pro bono is short for the Latin "pro bono publico": for the public good. Most law firms have pro bono programs and individual lawyers may take occasional pro bono cases through bar association referral programs.
The American Bar Association recommends that lawyers do at least 50 hours of pro bono work per year. Some states have higher targets; some are silent. Either way, pro bono representation is a real way to access a lawyer if you qualify and find one willing to take your case.