Pro Bono Retainer Agreement

Pro Bono Retainer Agreement Template for Australia

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Key Requirements PROMPT example:

"I need a Pro Bono Retainer Agreement for our Sydney law firm to provide free legal services to an Indigenous community organization in Northern Territory, specifically covering environmental law matters and including provisions for student clinic involvement starting March 2025."

Document background

The Pro Bono Retainer Agreement is a fundamental document used in the Australian legal sector to formalize pro bono legal service arrangements. It is typically employed when law firms or legal practitioners agree to provide legal services without charge to eligible clients who cannot afford legal representation or where the matter serves the public interest. The agreement addresses key aspects including scope of services, professional obligations, disbursements handling, and termination conditions, while ensuring compliance with Australian legal profession regulations. It's particularly important in contexts where legal practitioners need to clearly document their professional commitments and responsibilities, even though services are provided free of charge. The document supports Australia's commitment to access to justice and the legal profession's ethical obligation to provide pro bono services.

Suggested Sections

1. Parties: Identification of the law firm/lawyer and the pro bono client

2. Background: Context of the pro bono arrangement and basis for accepting the matter

3. Definitions: Key terms used throughout the agreement

4. Scope of Services: Detailed description of legal services to be provided pro bono and any excluded services

5. Pro Bono Nature of Services: Clear statement that services are provided free of charge and explanation of what this means

6. Client Obligations: Client's responsibilities including providing accurate information and timely communication

7. Disbursements and Third-Party Costs: Handling of out-of-pocket expenses and third-party costs

8. Termination: Circumstances under which either party may terminate the pro bono relationship

9. Confidentiality: Obligations regarding confidential information and client privilege

10. Conflicts of Interest: Process for identifying and handling potential conflicts

11. Professional Indemnity Insurance: Confirmation of insurance coverage for pro bono services

12. Governing Law: Specification that Australian law governs the agreement

Optional Sections

1. Means Test: Include when the firm requires ongoing verification of client's eligibility for pro bono services

2. Student Clinic Provisions: Include when services may be provided by law students under supervision

3. Recovery of Costs: Include when there's potential for cost recovery from opposing parties

4. Publicity: Include when the firm may want to publicize the pro bono work (with client consent)

5. Impact Evaluation: Include when the firm requires participation in impact assessment of pro bono services

6. Limitation of Liability: Include specific limitations of liability where permitted by law

7. Alternative Dispute Resolution: Include when specific dispute resolution procedures are desired

Suggested Schedules

1. Schedule 1 - Scope of Work: Detailed description of the specific legal matter and services to be provided

2. Schedule 2 - Client Eligibility Criteria: Documentation of client's qualification for pro bono services

3. Schedule 3 - Disbursements Policy: Detailed policy on handling of various types of disbursements and expenses

4. Schedule 4 - Nominated Lawyers: List of lawyers assigned to the matter and their roles

5. Appendix A - Firm's Pro Bono Policy: Copy of the firm's pro bono policy and guidelines

6. Appendix B - Communication Protocol: Guidelines for client-lawyer communications and response times

Authors

Alex Denne

Head of Growth (Open Source Law) @ ��Ƶ | 3 x UCL-Certified in Contract Law & Drafting | 4+ Years Managing 1M+ Legal Documents | Serial Founder & Legal AI Author

alex.den.21@genieai.co

Relevant legal definitions

Clauses

Relevant Industries

Legal Services

Non-Profit

Charitable Organizations

Social Services

Community Services

Indigenous Services

Healthcare

Education

Environmental Conservation

Human Rights

Social Justice

Public Interest

Relevant Teams

Legal

Pro Bono

Risk and Compliance

Professional Standards

Community Engagement

Client Services

Practice Management

Corporate Social Responsibility

Relevant Roles

Managing Partner

Pro Bono Partner

Legal Director

Senior Associate

Pro Bono Coordinator

Legal Officer

Practice Manager

Risk Manager

Compliance Officer

Professional Standards Manager

Community Engagement Manager

Legal Aid Coordinator

Public Interest Law Coordinator

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