What is the difference between a pro bono lawyer and a public defender?

Pro bono lawyers and public defenders are both types of legal representation provided to those who cannot afford a lawyer. However, there are some key differences between the two. A pro bono lawyer is a private attorney who provides their services free of charge to someone who cannot afford to pay. This type of representation is generally provided to individuals who are pursuing civil matters, such as a divorce or a housing dispute. It is important to note that pro bono attorneys are only available in certain cases, and you should always check with your state bar association to find out if you qualify. A public defender is a type of attorney appointed by the court to represent individuals who are facing criminal charges and cannot afford their own attorney. In Maryland, the Office of the Public Defender is responsible for providing representation to those accused of crimes. Unlike pro bono lawyers, they are available to anyone who meets the eligibility requirements, no matter what type of offense they are accused of. In summary, the main difference between a pro bono lawyer and a public defender is the type of cases they handle. Pro bono lawyers are typically used for civil matters while public defenders are available for anyone facing criminal charges. Additionally, pro bono lawyers are generally only provided to those who meet certain eligibility requirements, while public defenders are available to anyone who cannot afford their own attorney.

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What is the difference between a pro bono lawyer and a public defender?

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