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Pro Bono Eligibility
Client Criteria and Referral Pipelines
Clients are introduced to Green Pro Bono through partnership channels (e.g., accelerators, incubator programs, environmental justice networks, universities) or direct inquiries via the Green Pro Bono website. All prospective clients fill out our application to request pro bono legal services.
Green Pro Bono evaluates eligibility for our services based on three factors: (1) Mission, (2) Financial need, and (3) Client-Type. We maintain flexible standards to maximize our impact, while recognizing that law firms may have stricter requirements. Green Pro Bono is happy to collaborate with law firm pro bono teams to assess client eligibility based on firm-specific criteria.
Mission-Driven
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Green Pro Bono prioritizes organizations and individuals whose work is rooted in a social justice mission.
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Requests from startups and small businesses are evaluated carefully to ensure that they meet the criteria of a social enterprise.
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The overall impact of an organization’s environmental mission is considered to avoid unintended harm to communities and greenwashing.
Financial Need
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Due to the variety of organizations and individuals we work with, financial requirements vary based on client-type.
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Financial data is self-reported and can be shared with a volunteer firm on request.
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If a volunteer law firm has strict guidelines that they must follow with pro bono clients, we are happy to ask clients to send proof of income via financial records to the volunteer law firm for additional review.
Client-Type
Nonprofits & Community Organizations
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Must show that legal fees would impact resources or mission
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Evaluated on finances, past legal aid, mission, and service needs
Social Enterprises
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Must have a clear mission with measurable climate impact
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Must allocate a portion of profits to mission-driven work
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Must lack funds for legal expenses
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Pro bono support is time-limited until financial viability