Guidelines for Requesting Expert Services

Introduction

These guidelines are for providers of free legal services at law firms, in-house legal departments, and public interest organizations seeking to utilize the PBI ExpertConnect Pro Bono Hub to access pro bono expert services, including forensic accounting, translation, case management, e-discovery, and more, to enhance their pro bono work. These guidelines are designed to assist in securing essential expert support and to facilitate effective collaboration with expert services providers.

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.

Eligibility to Request Services

The ExpertConnect Hub welcomes requests for expert services from pro bono and public interest legal professionals dedicated to advancing access to justice. Eligible applicants include:

• Pro Bono Lawyers: Attorneys representing low-income clients in pro bono cases, whether from law firms, legal departments, or nonprofit organizations.
• Legal Services Organizations: Entities providing legal assistance to underserved populations that seek expert support to enhance their casework and advocacy efforts.
• Public Interest Advocates: Professionals involved in initiatives aimed at promoting social justice who require specialized expertise for their legal matters.

Requests for expert services must originate from pro bono and public interest legal professionals at law firms, legal departments, and nonprofit organizations. The ExpertConnect Hub is not intended for pro se litigants.  

Request Process

Pro bono and public interest legal professionals can submit requests for expert assistance at any stage of their projects.

To request expert services, pro bono and public interest legal professionals should:

• assess the matter and obtain any necessary client consent to disclose relevant information to potential expert services providers;
• complete the Pro Bono Expert Services Request Form detailing the matter and specific support needed, 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);
  • who is served by the project and how the project furthers access to justice for low-income or marginalized communities; and,
• submit the Pro Bono Expert Services Request Form.

Acceptance of Requests 

The ExpertConnect Hub will review requests and match requesting organizations with suitable expert services providers based on their expertise and availability. Expert services providers will have five business days to accept or decline a request. Once matched, the ExpertConnect Hub will connect the requesting organization with the expert services provider to support the work. While the ExpertConnect Hub aims to match requesting organizations with expert services providers within two weeks, requests are not guaranteed to be accepted.

To participate in the ExpertConnect Hub, all expert services providers commit to upholding the same high standards provided to their paying clients.

Engagement Terms

Once a request is accepted and matched with an expert services provider: 

• The requesting organization should inform the client and facilitate the necessary documentation for the expert services provider.
• The expert services provider should provide the requesting organization written pro bono engagement terms before beginning work, clearly outlining the scope and duration of assistance.

Case Closure and Feedback

When the expert services provider has finished supporting the pro bono matter, requesting organizations may be asked to provide feedback. This feedback will allow the ExpertConnect Hub to gather insights into the effectiveness of the expert support and the overall process.

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 community. Please contact experts@probonoinst.org with any questions.