Pro Bono/Emeritus Attorneys

Many jurisdictions provide special admission rules for attorneys practicing on a pro bono basis. Eligible attorneys are often referred to as emeritus attorneys when they are retired from the regular practice of law. Pro bono/emeritus rules encourage retired and inactive attorneys to provide legal services on a pro bono basis. The applicable special or temporary licenses allow pro bono/emeritus attorneys to practice law without going through the formal admission process of taking the Bar Exam or being Admitted on Motion.

Issues for pro bono/emeritus attorneys include the attorney’s status (active or inactive) and whether the attorney is retired from the practice of law. In addition, states often allow authorized House Counsel Attorneys to practice on a pro bono basis.

The following map identifies states that have special admission rules applicable to pro bono/emeritus attorneys: