Guidelines for Becoming a Participating Expert Services Provider

Introduction

These guidelines are for expert services providers seeking to join the the PBI ExpertConnect Pro Bono Hub to offer their expertise pro bono to law firms, in-house legal departments, and public interest organizations providing free legal services. These guidelines are designed to help expert services providers understand the application process to join the ExpertConnect Hub.

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.

Eligibility to Provide Services

Expert services providers interested in joining the ExpertConnect Hub should meet the following criteria:

• demonstrated expertise in relevant fields, such as forensic accounting, translation, case management, e-discovery, and other specialized areas;
• commitment to providing the same quality of service to pro bono clients as for paying clients; and,
• willingness to consider requests for assistance and respond promptly.

Sponsorship and Benefits

The ExpertConnect Hub operates as a sponsored platform, where expert services providers contribute financial support to PBI to effectively administer the program.

• Gold | $15,000
  
  • Company logo recognition on the PBI website.
  • Company logo recognition in advertisements and marketing emails promoting the ExpertConnect Hub.
  • Opportunity to present one (1) educational program webinar per year regarding the participant’s pro bono expert services.
  • Three (3) tickets to a select event at the PBI Annual Conference.

• Silver | $10,000
  
  • Company logo recognition on the PBI website.
  • Company name listing recognition in marketing emails and select advertisements promoting the ExpertConnect Hub program.
  • Two (2) tickets to a select event at the PBI Annual Conference.

• Bronze | $5,000
  
  • Company name listing on the PBI website.
  • Company name listing recognition in marketing emails promoting the ExpertConnect Hub.
  • One (1) ticket to a select event at the PBI Annual Conference.

Application Process

To join the ExpertConnect Hub, interested expert services providers should complete and submit the Expert Services Provider: Registration & Sponsorship Selection Form. By completing this form, organizations acknowledge their commitment to providing high-quality pro bono support and agree to consider all case referrals via the ExpertConnect Hub.

Once approved, PBI will send the expert services provider an invoice with payment instructions based on the selected sponsorship level. Once paid, the expert services provider will become an official provider via the ExpertConnect Hub.

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.