In re Pro Bono Week

2017 Ark. 276

• Court: Supreme Court of Arkansas
• Decided: October 5, 2017
• Status: Published

Opinion

Cite as 2017 Ark. 276

SUPREME COURT OF ARKANSAS

Opinion Delivered: October 5, 2017 IN RE ARKANSAS PRO BONO WEEK

PER CURIAM

As officers of the court, Arkansas attorneys bear a professional responsibility, under

Rule 6.1 of the Arkansas Rules of Professional Conduct, to provide free legal services to

persons of limited means or organizations that serve persons of limited means and to

voluntarily contribute financial support to organizations that provide legal services to persons

of limited means. This commitment to public service represents one of the noblest attributes

of the legal profession.

The American Bar Association has designated October 22–28, 2017, as National Pro

Bono Week to recognize the valuable contributions made by pro bono attorneys

throughout the year and to encourage pro bono participation across the nation to address

the legal needs of low-income Americans. This Court joins in this effort by designating

October 22–28, 2017, as Pro Bono Week in Arkansas.

The Court commends the many Arkansas attorneys who serve their profession, their

communities, and their state by donating thousands of hours of pro bono services and by Cite as 2017 Ark. 276

making generous financial contributions to legal aid organizations. The Court encourages

all attorneys to abide by both the letter and the spirit of Rule 6.1 through pro bono service

and financial support. Consistent with Rule 3.7(B) of the Arkansas Code of Judicial

Conduct, the Court also encourages all judges to advocate for pro bono service by attorneys,

to participate in events that honor attorneys who provide pro bono service, to write and

speak in favor of pro bono service, and to recruit attorneys to provide pro bono service.