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Pro Bono Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

C., the Pro Bono Coordinator will support the firm's pro bono initiatives and operations. This role reports to the Pro Bono Chair. Responsibilities include: * Collaborating closely with the Pro Bono ...

Pro Bono Director

Riverside, CA ยท On-site

$127.92 - $150.80/hr

Pro Bono Director FLSA Classification: Exempt Reports To: Deputy Director of Community Engagement Supervises: Managing Attorneys; Pro Bono Coordinators; Project Coordinators; Legal Assistants ...

Pro Bono Counsel (Access to Justice Expert) Type: Contract Compensation: $170/hour Location: Remote Role Responsibilities * Review AI-generated legal analyses to ensure accuracy and depth in legal ...

Pro Bono Counsel (Access to Justice Expert) Type: Contract Compensation: $170/hour Location: Remote Role Responsibilities * Review AI-generated legal analyses to ensure accuracy and depth in civil ...

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Pro Bono information

See California salary details

$19.6K

$63.6K

$181.2K

How much do pro bono jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for pro bono in California is $63,599.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,575.00 and $71,483.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is pro bono?

Pro bono jobs are professional services provided voluntarily and without payment, typically to benefit individuals, groups, or organizations that may not otherwise afford such services. These roles are common in legal, medical, and consulting professions, where experts offer their skills to support charitable causes, nonprofits, or underserved communities. Professionals take on pro bono work to give back to society, gain experience, or fulfill ethical obligations set by their industries.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in pro bono roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals involved in pro bono work often face challenges such as balancing these commitments with billable work, managing limited resources, and addressing urgent client needs with tight deadlines. To navigate these challenges effectively, it's important to set clear expectations with both your primary employer and pro bono clients, communicate proactively about time constraints, and leverage available support from colleagues or legal aid organizations. Many firms offer dedicated pro bono coordinators and training to help streamline processes and ensure quality service while maintaining work-life balance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pro bono lawyer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pro Bono Lawyer, you need a Juris Doctor degree, bar admission, and a solid understanding of legal principles relevant to underserved populations. Familiarity with case management software, legal research databases, and knowledge of relevant regulatory frameworks is essential. Outstanding communication, empathy, and cultural awareness are crucial to effectively advocate for and support clients facing unique challenges. These skills ensure ethical, impactful legal representation and help bridge the justice gap for those who cannot afford legal services.

What is the difference between Pro Bono vs Legal Assistant?

AspectPro BonoLegal Assistant
Required CredentialsNone or minimal; often volunteers or studentsTypically requires paralegal certification or associate degree
Work EnvironmentNonprofit, legal aid organizations, or community serviceLaw firms, corporate legal departments, or government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageLegal nonprofits, public interest groupsLaw firms, legal departments

Pro Bono work involves volunteering legal services without charge, often for underserved communities, and usually requires minimal formal credentials. Legal Assistants are paid professionals supporting attorneys with legal tasks, requiring specific certifications or education. While both roles support the legal industry, Pro Bono is volunteer-based, whereas Legal Assistants are employed professionals.

How to get involved in pro bono work?

Pro bono work involves volunteering professional services without charge, often through legal, medical, or nonprofit organizations. To get involved, identify organizations aligned with your skills, complete any required training or background checks, and commit to a schedule that fits your availability.

What are the most commonly searched types of Pro Bono jobs in California?

The most popular types of Pro Bono jobs in California are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Pro Bono jobs?

Cities in California with the most Pro Bono job openings:

Infographic showing various Pro Bono job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $63,599 per year, or $30.6 per hour.

Pro Bono Coordinator

Gibson Dunn

Los Angeles, CA โ€ข On-site

$80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Gibson Dunn is a leading global law firm, advising clients on significant transactions and disputes. Our exceptional teams craft and deploy creative legal strategies that are meticulously tailored to every matter, however complex or high-stakes. The firm's work is distinguished by a unique combination of precision and vision.
Based in Los Angeles, New York, or Washington D.C., the Pro Bono Coordinator will support the firm's pro bono initiatives and operations.
This role reports to the Pro Bono Chair.
Responsibilities include:
  • Collaborating closely with the Pro Bono Practice to support the firm's pro bono initiatives, including providing case management support for large-scale and long-term projects.
  • Implementing and maintaining comprehensive tracking systems to monitor active pro bono matters and ensure adherence to deadlines and client commitments.
  • Assisting with the organization, intake, and review of new pro bono matters.
  • Maintaining a library of sample documents and prior work product from pro bono representations for use as reference materials in future matters.
  • Interfacing directly with pro bono clients, legal services organizations, nonprofit organizations, and other external stakeholders to help facilitate representation by Gibson Dunn attorneys.
  • Maintaining and managing the firm's pro bono practice calendar, including trainings, events, reporting deadlines, and collaborative initiatives.
  • Maintaining a tracker of pro bono collaborations with corporate clients and assist with the development and implementation of future collaborative opportunities.
  • Preparing and analyzing statistical and narrative reports for client requests, RFPs, American Lawyer, Vault, NALP, bar associations, and other publications or organizations.
  • Assisting with the production of Gibson Dunn's annual Pro Bono Report, including compiling matter summaries, coordinating submissions, and supporting drafting and production efforts. (View the firm's 2025 Pro Bono Report here: https://www.gibsondunn.com/2025-pro-bono-report/)
  • Assisting with maintenance and updating of pro bono materials on the firm's internal and external websites.
  • Supporting the preparation and submission of award nominations and recognition materials.
  • Assisting attorneys in locating relevant matter documents, training resources, and other pro bono materials.
  • Preparing presentations and supporting materials, including PowerPoint presentations, for internal and external audiences.
  • Providing general administrative and operational support to the department as needed.
  • Partnering with the Pro Bono Practice to support and expand strategic marketing initiatives related to the firm's pro bono practice.

Qualifications:
  • Professional demeanor with outstanding written and verbal communication skills and a strong service-oriented mindset.
  • Ability to interact effectively with attorneys, clients, and staff at all levels of the organization.
  • Demonstrated discretion and integrity in handling highly confidential and sensitive information.
  • Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and capacity to manage multiple priorities effectively.
  • Proven ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and proactively manage projects and responsibilities with minimal supervision.
  • Proven resourcefulness, creativity, and initiative.
  • Strong project management and program coordination experience, with the ability to drive long-term projects to completion.
  • Ability to work overtime as necessary.

Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree required.
  • Two to three years of administrative or coordinator experience in a law firm, legal setting, nonprofit organization, charitable organization preferred.
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint required.
  • Demonstrated ability to learn and utilize AI-enabled tools and emerging technologies to enhance productivity, organization, and operational efficiency.

Gibson Dunn will consider for employment qualified Applicants with Criminal Histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of local law.
Compensation & Benefits:
The annual compensation range for this position is $70-80k. The salary offered within this range will depend upon qualifications and other operational considerations.
Benefits offered for this position include health care; retirement benefits; paid days off, including sick time, and vacation time; parental leave; basic life insurance; Flexible Spending Accounts; as well as discretionary, performance-based bonuses.
For technical difficulties with our online application, please contact us at staffrecruiting@gibsondunn.com. Our recruiting support team will respond as soon as possible.
Gibson Dunn is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities. We strive to ensure an inclusive and accessible hiring experience. The Firm will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable participation in the application and recruitment process, unless doing so would impose an undue hardship, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, participate in an interview, or otherwise take part in the recruitment process, please contact us at recruiting-accommodations@gibsondunn.com. Please note, this is a dedicated email inbox established exclusively to assist applicants with accommodation request related to the recruitment process. Inquiries about the status of an application or other non-accommodation matter will not receive a response.