Low Bono Explained
“Low bono” is a relatively new term in the legal world. It refers to cases that do not qualify for pro bono, yet the clients cannot afford to pay for attorneys charging their standard rate per hour.
In order to qualify for pro bono (i.e. free) services, many organizations require that the client’s household income be under 200% of poverty level. Clients who have household incomes above 200% are turned away. However, many of these individuals do not have the resources to pay for a private attorney.
In a household of three people, if the income exceeds $39,060.00, the case will not quality for pro bono services. However, even if the income in the household is $65,000.00, the person will be hard pressed to come up with the money needed for attorney’s fees to defend his or her case in court.
Due to this enormous gap, many people fall through the cracks. The need for attorneys to fill this void is particularly obvious in domestic cases (involving divorce and custody) and criminal misdemeanor cases. Many parties going through a divorce or criminal charge are forced to litigate the case on their own. Low bono services is an attempt to fill this disparity in providing legal counsel to those for whom it would otherwise be impossible.
Khadilkar Law is proud to offer low bono services to those who qualify in the areas of divorce, custody, and criminal misdemeanor defense. Please contact us to schedule a consultation.