Pro Bono Program

The Pro Bono Program assists the court by facilitating the appointment of pro bono counsel to represent pro se litigants. Pro Bono Panel members will, at the court's invitation, be appointed in civil appeals that — for example — present issues of first impression, complex facts or legal questions, or potentially meritorious claims warranting further briefing and/or oral argument.

Pro bono appointments are made by the court and are limited to proceedings before this court. Although oral argument is not guaranteed, cases selected for the program are likely to meet the court's criteria for granting oral argument.

Attorneys wishing to join the Pro Bono Panel should submit the following to the Office of General Counsel and Mediation ("OGCM Office"):

At the conclusion of the case, Pro Bono Counsel may file an ex parte motion for reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses incurred. Reimbursable expenses may in no event exceed those allowable in Criminal Justice Act appointments.¹ The OGCM Office will review the motion and present a recommended disposition to the panel that decided the case. Any such recovery of expenses shall not be considered a fee for services.

Travel expenses must be authorized in advance by the OGCM Office. Pre-authorization for all travel requiring overnight accommodations, air travel, or more than four hours of round-trip driving time must be requested in writing (email preferred).

Questions about the program may be directed to Garrett M. Cain, General Counsel and Chief Mediator, at that email address or by telephone at (504) 310-7799.