Ala. R. Prof'l. Cond. 6.6

As amended through October 30, 2024

Rule 6.6 - Special Membership for Pro Bono Services

Any inactive member of the Alabama State Bar may render pro bono services by paying the special membership dues and becoming a special member of the Alabama State Bar as prescribed by the Alabama State Bar for the year in which the pro bono services are rendered. The provision of pro bono services by a special member of the Alabama State Bar shall not be deemed the active practice of law or the unauthorized practice of law under Rule 5.5. For purposes of this section, "pro bono services" are defined as legal services provided without fee or remuneration through an approved pro bono provider.

An approved pro bono provider for the purposes of this rule is a not-for-profit legal-aid organization, bar, or court sponsoring a pro bono program that is approved by the Alabama State Bar as set forth in this rule. A not-for-profit legal-aid organization, bar, or court seeking approval from the Alabama State Bar for purposes of this rule shall file a petition with the office of General Counsel of the Alabama State Bar certifying that it is a not-for-profit legal-aid organization, bar, or court sponsoring a pro bono program, and specifically stating:

(a) The structure of the organization and whether it accepts funds from clients;

(b) The major sources of funds used by the organization;

(c) The criteria used to determine potential clients' eligibility for legal services performed by the organization;

(d) The types of legal and nonlegal services performed by the organization;

(e) The names of all members of the Alabama Bar who are employed by the organization or who regularly perform legal work for the organization; and

(f) That the organization has in place professional liability insurance that will cover the attorney providing the pro bono services.

This rule shall not preclude an approved pro bono provider from recovering court-awarded attorney fees for representation provided by a pro bono attorney or from receiving reimbursement for otherwise recoverable costs incurred in representing a client pro bono.

Ala. R. Prof'l. Cond. 6.6

Adopted eff. 12/11/2008.

Note from the reporter of decisions: The order adopting Rule 6.5 and Rule 6.6, effective December 11, 2008, is published in that volume of Alabama Reporter that contains Alabama cases from 994 So.2d.

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