Pro bono legal representation: providing legal representation to a pro bono client without compensation, expectation of compensation, or other direct or indirect pecuniary gain. (Rule 2V)
Pro bono client: an individual referred by an approved legal services provider or by a state or federal court program. (Rule 2U)
Approved legal services provider: defined in Rule 2B.
What organizations qualify as providers?
Organizations funded by the Legal Services Corporation, organizations funded by the Minnesota State Board of Civil Legal Aid, organizations designated by the Minnesota State Board of Civil Legal Aid per Rule 2B(2), and state court or federal court programs.
Any questions about the status of an organization funded or designated by the State Board of Civil Legal Aid can be directed to contact@bocla.us.
How much CLE credit can you earn for pro bono?
A lawyer may claim 1 hour of standard CLE credit for every 6 hours of pro bono legal representation the lawyer provides to a pro bono client. The pro bono client must have been referred by an approved legal services provider or by a state court or federal court pro bono program.
There is a 6 CLE credit hour cap on pro bono hours for each 3-year CLE reporting period.
How to apply for pro bono CLE credit?
Fill out and mail or email the Affidavit of Pro Bono Representation to the CLE office (see Appendix II).
When will I know if CLE pro bono hours were approved?
CLE office staff will send a confirming email when the pro bono credits are added to your lawyer record.
