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Pro Bono Attorney Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Inlandlegal

Pro Bono Director

Riverside, CA · On-site

$127.92 - $150.80/hr

Managing Attorneys; Pro Bono Coordinators; Project Coordinators; Legal Assistants Compensation: $127,920 - 150,800 Annually Inland Counties Legal Services is seeking a Pro Bono Director to join the ...

Gibson Dunn

Pro Bono Coordinator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$80K/yr

Assisting attorneys in locating relevant matter documents, training resources, and other pro bono materials. * Preparing presentations and supporting materials, including PowerPoint presentations ...

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Pro Bono Attorney information

See California salary details

$92.8K

$172.9K

$306.9K

How much do pro bono attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for pro bono attorney in California is $172,912.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $132,200.00 and $168,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pro bono attorney?

Pro bono attorneys are lawyers who provide legal services for free or at a significantly reduced fee to individuals or organizations who cannot afford to pay for legal representation. Their work is often aimed at helping underserved communities and advancing social justice by ensuring that everyone has access to legal assistance, regardless of their financial situation. Pro bono work can include representing clients in court, offering legal advice, or working on community projects. Many law firms and bar associations encourage attorneys to take on pro bono cases as part of their professional responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pro bono attorney?

To thrive as a Pro Bono Attorney, you need a law degree, admission to the bar, and a solid understanding of relevant legal areas such as family, immigration, or housing law. Familiarity with legal research tools (like Westlaw or LexisNexis), case management systems, and continuing legal education in specialized practice areas is typical. Exceptional communication, cultural sensitivity, and a strong sense of empathy set outstanding pro bono attorneys apart. These skills are crucial for effectively representing underserved clients and making a meaningful impact on access to justice.

What are some common challenges faced by pro bono attorneys, and how can they be addressed?

Pro bono attorneys often face the challenge of balancing their pro bono caseload with billable work and other professional responsibilities. Additionally, they may encounter cases outside their typical practice area, requiring extra research or mentorship. To address these challenges, many firms and legal organizations offer training, resources, and support networks. Time management and seeking guidance from experienced colleagues or pro bono coordinators can also help attorneys provide effective representation while maintaining their overall workload.

What is the difference between Pro Bono Attorney vs Public Defender?

AspectPro Bono AttorneyPublic Defender
CredentialsLaw degree, license, bar admissionLaw degree, license, bar admission
Work EnvironmentPrivate firms, nonprofit organizations, legal clinicsGovernment-funded public defender offices
Employer & IndustryLegal sector, nonprofit, private practiceGovernment, criminal defense
Primary FocusProviding free legal services to those in needDefending indigent clients in criminal cases

While both Pro Bono Attorneys and Public Defenders hold law degrees and serve clients in need, Pro Bono Attorneys typically work in private or nonprofit settings offering free legal aid, whereas Public Defenders are government employees defending criminal clients who cannot afford private counsel. The main difference lies in their employment setting and specific legal focus.

What are popular job titles related to Pro Bono Attorney jobs in California?

For Pro Bono Attorney jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Pro Bono Attorney jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Pro Bono Attorney jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Pro Bono Attorney jobs?

Cities in California with the most Pro Bono Attorney job openings:

Pro Bono Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pro Bono Attorney job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $172,912 per year, or $83.1 per hour.

Pro Bono Coordinator

CALIFORNIA RURAL LEGAL ASSISTANCE INC

Fresno, CA • On-site, Remote

$27.20 - $37.40/hr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

WHO WE ARE: Founded in 1966, CRLA's mission is to fight for justice and individual rights alongside the most exploited communities of our society. California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc. offers legal services that defend the rights of the rural poor and change the unjust systems that oppress them. Our advocates believe that rural communities can thrive, and that the justice system can be worked to the advantage of people who reject poverty and discrimination. The work we advance spans an impressive gamut of venues and stands on a bold legacy of success and a vision for the prosperity of our clients.
  • Position: Program Coordinator - Pro Bono and Strategic Partnerships Program
  • Experience: 5+ years of relevant experience
  • Application Deadline: Open until filled
  • Location: Any CRLA office (hybrid)
  • Other: FLSA Non-Exempt, Non-Union Position, Full-Time (37.5hrs per week)

The Pro Bono Coordinator supports the Director of Pro Bono and Strategic Partnerships, an exciting opportunity to help grow resources and access to justice throughout rural California with meaningful client-centered pro bono opportunities and strategic partnerships. Reporting to CRLA's Director of Pro Bono and Strategic Partnerships, the Pro Bono Coordinator will work with the Director to help implement CRLA's strategic vision and plan to strengthen and expand pro bono support from lawyers, law firms, law students, corporations, and other partners. The Coordinator supports the administration of all day-to-day program activities and long-term goals.
Essential Responsibilities
  • Assist with the administration of all day-to-day program and department activities.
  • Implement strategies to recruit, engage, train, and support pro bono attorneys, volunteers, law interns, and post-graduate fellows.
  • Help coordinate and implement CRLA's volunteer, law internship, and post-graduate fellowship programs, including overseeing systems for training and evaluation.
  • Help maintain a pro bono panel for case referrals in CRLA priority areas and other substantive areas of need for CRLA service areas.
  • Help identify pro bono partners focusing on client needs and alignment of organizational mission and values.
  • Help ensure the quality of pro bono legal services by monitoring quality standards for services delivered, conducting periodic reviews and evaluations, and implementing feedback mechanisms for continuous improvement.
  • Ensure compliance with all LSC regulations and funder requirements for volunteer and Private Attorney Involvement (PAI) efforts and support preparing funder-required reports.
  • Produce reports for CRLA leadership, Board Members, and funders that detail the impact of pro bono.
  • Manage database of pro bono program records, data reporting, and analysis.
  • Maintain and update pro bono written recruitment and training materials.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with law schools, law firms, in-house counsel, corporations, and other legal professionals.
  • Other tasks as assigned by the Pro Bono Director to further the department's and CRLA's goals.

Required Qualifications:
  • BA, BS or equivalent degree
  • Experience working with non-profit organizations, private law firms or corporate legal departments offering pro bono services
  • Previous experience working in the pro bono or volunteer management field
  • Experience with data entry, database management and reporting (LegalServer/CMS, Microsoft Excel)
  • Experience maintaining and protecting confidential and privileged information
  • Experience organizing time, managing diverse activities, and meeting critical deadlines with minimal supervision
  • Demonstrated commitment to the mission, goals, and priorities of CRLA
  • Excellent written and oral advocacy skills
  • Values and enjoys working cooperatively with others, both within the organization and in the community.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience in a non-profit legal services environment
  • Experience working with rural, marginalized populations
  • Ability to think creatively and strategically about pro bono services
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain relationships in support of pro bono strategies
  • Experience with social media platforms for volunteer engagement and recruitment

This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

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