A Lawyer's Professional Responsibility

Both the ABA and the State Bar of Michigan (SBM) have recognized the importance of private bar involvement by adopting standards of voluntary pro bono participation for their members.

ABA Model Rule 6.1

http://www.abanet.org/legalservices/probono/rule61.html

State Bar of Michigan Voluntary Standard

http://www.michbar.org/programs/ATJ/voluntarystds.cfm

In Michigan, the standard recommends that each member of the SBM annually assist

• three (3) low income individuals on a pro bono basis, or
  

• provide 30 hours of pro bono representation, or
  

• make a $300 contribution to a program such as LAWM.