The American Bar Association is urging states to adopt programs that allow retired attorneys to work for free to assist vulnerable seniors and low-income individuals.

Twenty-seven jurisdictions have emeritus attorney pro bono programs in place, according to the ABA’s Commission on Law and Aging. These programs provide a limited license for retired and non-practicing lawyers to practice on a volunteer basis for nonprofit legal providers serving seniors and low- and moderate-income individuals.

Pro bono programs offer the potential for expansion of legal services delivery and advocacy, the ABA said. Emeritus attorneys can provide legal services to home-bound residents; residents of hospitals, hospices, and long-term care facilities; and clients with limited access to transportation or who otherwise cannot visit an office.

The ABA provides a checklist of issues to consider in establishing an emeritus attorney pro bono program.

“Significant numbers of attorneys are expected to retire or modify their practices in the coming years,” says the ABA. “Emeritus attorney pro bono programs offer these attorneys a limited license…and are a great way to reinvest in our civil justice system the legal skills, training and experience of retired and non-practicing attorneys.”

– Lori Woehrle