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

The difference between a pro bono lawyer and a public defender lies in the way in which they are paid and the type of legal assistance they provide. A pro bono lawyer provides legal services for free or at a reduced cost for those who cannot afford to pay for a lawyer. They typically offer assistance with a variety of legal issues such as wills, contracts, settlements, court filings and litigation. A public defender, on the other hand, is a court-appointed legal representative who is entrusted to defend the accused in criminal cases. Public defenders are usually employed by the government, offer their services free of charge, and are generally only available to those who are facing criminal charges. In Washington, certain organizations offer both pro bono and public defender services. For example, the Northwest Justice Project provides legal services to low-income and underserved individuals and families who are unable to otherwise afford a lawyer. Additionally, each county in Washington is required to provide a public defender office which can provide legal representation to those accused of crimes. In conclusion, the main difference between a pro bono lawyer and a public defender is the type of legal assistance they provide and the manner in which they are paid. Pro bono lawyers typically provide legal services for free or at a reduced cost, and public defenders are appointed by the court to defend the accused in criminal cases. Both of these types of services are available in Washington and can be accessed via various organizations and public defender offices.

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

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