Introduction

These guidelines are for expert services providers approved to offer their expertise pro bono through the PBI ExpertConnect Pro Bono Hub. These guidelines are designed to ensure effective collaboration with law firms, in-house legal departments, and public interest organizations providing free legal services, as well as to maintain high standards of service delivery.

Purpose of the ExpertConnect Hub

The ExpertConnect Hub aims to create a network of expert services providers willing to offer their services pro bono on legal matters that assist underserved individuals and communities. Key objectives include:

• providing access to essential expert support for pro bono legal professionals and public interest organizations serving low-income clients;
• enhancing access to justice and improving the efficiency of pro bono matters; and
• strengthening relationships between pro bono legal professionals and expert services providers while fostering new connections.

All work undertaken through the Expert Connect Hub should be conducted to the same high standards as those for paying clients.

Request Process and Acceptance of Requests

Pro bono and public interest legal professionals submit requests for expert assistance, including information regarding:

• nature and scope of assistance required (e.g., strategic communications, expert witnesses, translation and interpretation, forensic accountants, investigations, case management, project management, e-discovery, other);
• anticipated timeframe for required assistance (including anticipated start and end dates and estimated number of hours); and,
• who is served by the project and how the project furthers access to justice for low-income or marginalized communities. 

The ExpertConnect Hub reviews requests and matches requesting organizations with suitable expert services providers based on their expertise and availability.

Expert services providers have five business days to accept or decline a request. There is no obligation for participating expert services providers to take on projects. Once matched, the ExpertConnect Hub will connect the requesting organization with the expert services provider to support the work.

Key Responsibilities of Expert Services Providers

1.  Commitment to Pro Bono Work

• Offer pro bono expert services for legal matters matched through the ExpertConnect Hub.
• Maintain the same quality of service for pro bono clients as for paying clients.

2.  Expertise and Availability

• Provide expertise in relevant fields such as forensic accounting, translation, case management, e-discovery, and other specialized areas.
• Confirm availability to take on pro bono requests through the ExpertConnect Hub.
• Communicate in a timely manner with PBI if the organization becomes unavailable to participate in the ExpertConnect Hub.

3.  Response to Requests

• Review requests for assistance promptly upon receipt.
• Accept or decline requests within five business days, communicating clearly with PBI.

4.  Engagement Terms

• Provide written engagement terms to the requesting organization, outlining the scope, duration, and any conditions of the pro bono support once matched and before commencing work.
• Ensure clear communication with the requesting organization’s identified points of contact regarding the services to be provided.

5.  Client Confidentiality

• Respect client confidentiality at all times and ensure that sensitive information is handled securely.
• Obtain necessary consent from clients before sharing any information with external parties.

6.  Collaboration with Legal Teams

• Work collaboratively with the requesting organization and pro bono/public interest legal professionals to understand the legal context and specific needs of the project.
• Maintain open lines of communication throughout the engagement with the point of contact at the requesting organization to ensure effective service delivery.

7.  Feedback and Improvement

• Be open to providing PBI constructive feedback and suggestions for improving collaboration within the ExpertConnect Hub.

Educational Contributions

As part of the ExpertConnect Hub, expert services providers may be invited to contribute educational resources depending on their sponsorship package. These educational materials may include:

• hosting webinars to share knowledge and best practices related to their field of expertise and use of those services by pro bono and public interest legal professionals; and
• participating in training sessions to enhance the skills and awareness of their services by pro bono and public interest legal professionals.

Important Disclaimer: Pro Bono Institute (PBI) facilitates connections between requesting entities and expert services providers through the PBI ExpertConnect Pro Bono Hub. PBI does not assume any responsibility or liability for the expert services provided by the experts listed on this platform. The engagement, scope, and terms of any expert services are solely the responsibility of the requesting entity and the expert services provider. PBI does not endorse or guarantee the quality, accuracy, or effectiveness of any expert services and is not liable for any issues or disputes that may arise from the use of such services.

By adhering to these guidelines, participants can contribute to enhancing access to justice and fostering meaningful collaborations within the pro bono legal community. Please contact experts@probonoinst.org with any questions.