Introduction

These guidelines are for expert services providers approved to offer their expertise pro bono through PBI’s 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 PBI’s ExpertConnect Pro Bono Hub

PBI’s ExpertConnect Pro Bono Hub connects providers of free legal services from law firms, in-house legal departments, and public interest organizations with expert services providers to improve legal case support.

Key Responsibilities of Expert Services Providers

1.  Commitment to Pro Bono Work

• Offer pro bono expert services for legal matters referred through PBI’s ExpertConnect Pro Bono 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 in a timely manner.

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 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 any pro bono lawyers to understand the legal context and specific needs of the case.
• 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 PBI’s ExpertConnect Pro Bono Hub.

Educational Contributions

As part of PBI’s ExpertConnect Pro Bono 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 public interest organizations and pro bono lawyers; and
• participating in training sessions to enhance the skills and awareness of their services by public interest organizations and pro bono lawyers.

Important Disclaimer: Pro Bono Institute (PBI) facilitates connections between organizations requesting assistance and expert services providers through its 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 organization 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.