The American Bar Association recognizes the need for charities, not for profit organizations, business leaders and average citizens to come together to help the poor. The ABA has the Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service to address the issue of offering poor people the benefit of legal counsel without cost to the client. The mission of the Committee extends beyond the courtroom to offer aid in developing other programs to reduce poverty among citizens. The organization features legal development, policy development and the formation of not for profit organizations that carry out work in accordance with the values of the American Bar Association.
The Committee oversees the creation of policy as well as analyzing existing policy set in place by government entities. These practices benefit people who cannot effectively advocate for themselves and who would be marginalized if not for the actions of the Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service.
The Committee has historically been active in outreach activities that target the judiciary and government attorney offices, minority bar associations and groups, small firms and middle sized firms as well as the law schools. The encompassing message of the Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service is to provide services that support the protection of the people who live in poverty and who would not have representation if it were not for the services of Committee.
To encourage other organizations to take action to help reduce poverty and increase services to people who cannot pay full price for the services. This promotion is provided through recognizing successful agencies with outstanding service awards. People who suspect they qualify for help from the Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service or one of their supporting agencies should contact a local charity to find out more about how to contact the agency who serves their area.