Judges frequently write letters to attorneys encouraging participation in pro bono activities. A sample of these letters can be found below.

Opt-In Letters: “Opt-In” letters are letters written by judges that invite attorneys to participate in pro bono activities. Examples

Opt-Out Letters: “Opt-Out” letters are letters written by judges that inform attorneys that they have been assigned pro bono work, and are expected to perform such work unless they inform the court that they are unable to provide the requested assistance. Examples

Several organizations, including the Conference of Chief Justices and the ABA House of Delegates, have passed resolutions encouraging judges to take an active role in the promotion of pro bono. In addition, many courts have passed resolutions of their own encouraging pro bono participation by members of the bar. Examples

Judges have implemented special procedures to encourage and support pro bono in their courtrooms. Examples

Judges regularly call for lawyers to take on more pro bono cases. Examples

Judges frequently speak to members of the bar about the importance of pro bono in their communities. Examples

Virginia

Chief Justice’s Pro Bono Summit
Meetings:
In April 2010, the Virginia Bar Association announced that it is sponsoring a series of meetings to be known as the “Chief Justice’s Pro Bono Summit” convened by Chief Justice of Virginia Leroy R. Hassell, Sr.  The meetings will call together volunteer lawyers, bar association leaders, legal aid representatives and members of the judiciary to discuss Virginia lawyers’ donation of professional services to persons who are unable to afford them.  The discussion will include results of current pro bono programs and plans and goals for the future.
For more information on the Chief Justice’s Pro Bono Summit, please click here:
http://www.vba.org/summit.pdf

Judges often write articles encouraging pro bono participation in local bar journals or other legal publications. Examples

Judges participate in and assist with recognition of volunteer attorneys in a variety of ways. Examples

Several states have created training manuals on the topic of judicial encouragement of pro bono. Examples

Several states have created videos on the topic of judicial encouragement of pro bono. Examples