OUR MISSION

TO FREELY PROVIDE

The Pro Bono Project’s continuing mission is to provide free, quality civil legal services to the underserved members of our community. Our work today is as important as at any time in our 40-year history.

TO OPEN DOORS

By engaging volunteer attorneys, paralegals, law students, and private citizens to render pro bono services, The Pro Bono Project serves clients in Orleans, Jefferson, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, and Washington parishes who otherwise might not have access to the civil legal help they need.


TO GIVE BACK

With funding from private donations, grants, and other sources, The Pro Bono Project works in collaboration with other legal and social service providers to improve the quality of life for our clients and for the communities we serve.

The Pro Bono Project

Stands the Test of Time

In response to the growing demand for legal services among low-income residents, the Louisiana Bar Foundation launched the New Orleans Pro Bono Project in 1986. By engaging the local private bar, an underutilized resource at the time, the initiative quickly grew into a full-service legal aid provider.


Early funding came from the New Orleans Legal Assistance Corporation, the ABA, and in-kind support from the Louisiana Bar Foundation. In 1989, The Pro Bono Project launched its first major fundraiser, the Justice for All Ball, which remains an annual gathering of legal and community leaders united in support of the Project’s mission.


In 1991, the Project gained 501(c)(3) status and became an independent nonprofit. With expansion into St. Tammany and Washington Parishes, its name officially changed to The Pro Bono Project. The organization strengthened ties with local bar associations in 1993, adding representatives from Jefferson, New Orleans, and St. Bernard to its board, and later included the 22nd Judicial District in 2000.

The Pro Bono Project Stands the Test of Time

An hourglass and a round clock sitting side-by-side on a white background.

In response to the growing demand for legal services among low-income residents, the Louisiana Bar Foundation launched the New Orleans Pro Bono Project in 1986. By engaging the local private bar, an underutilized resource at the time, the initiative quickly grew into a full-service legal aid provider.


Early funding came from the New Orleans Legal Assistance Corporation, the ABA, and in-kind support from the Louisiana Bar Foundation. In 1989, The Pro Bono Project launched its first major fundraiser, the Justice for All Ball, which remains an annual gathering of legal and community leaders united in support of the Project’s mission.


In 1991, the Project gained 501(c)(3) status and became an independent nonprofit. With expansion into St. Tammany and Washington Parishes, its name officially changed to The Pro Bono Project. The organization strengthened ties with local bar associations in 1993, adding representatives from Jefferson, New Orleans, and St. Bernard to its board, and later included the 22nd Judicial District in 2000.

Our Funders

Logo for the Louisiana Bar Foundation featuring a gold scales of justice icon over a dark blue Louisiana state map.
Logo for Southeast Louisiana Legal Services featuring a gray temple icon with green pillars and the organization's name.
Circular seal of the 24th Judicial District Court of Louisiana, featuring a pelican in its nest and the state motto.
Official seal of the 24th Judicial District Court of Louisiana, featuring a pelican in a nest on a gold and blue background.
Seal of the 25th Judicial District Court, Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, featuring the state pelican emblem in gold.
The circular St. Bernard Parish Government seal features a central white monument, golden laurel branches, and blue border.
Seal of the State of Louisiana featuring a mother pelican in a nest with three chicks, surrounded by the text.
Seal of the State of Louisiana featuring a mother pelican in a nest with three chicks, surrounded by the text.
The text
The logo of the American College of Bankruptcy featuring a building illustration and the Roman numeral MCMXC.
New Orleans Bar Association logo: the text
Today, The Project is supported by Southeast Louisiana Legal Services, the Louisiana Bar Foundation’s IOLTA grant, Title III funds, judicial district filing fees, and private contributions. Through partnerships with the legal community and social service agencies, The Pro Bono Project continues to expand access to civil legal aid for those who need it most.