For Attorneys

Arkansas attorneys play a critical role in bridging the justice gap by providing legal aid, pro bono services, and ensuring compliance with IOLTA and professional conduct rules.

On this page, you’ll find resources, opportunities, and tools to help you get involved, earn CLE credit, and fulfill your professional responsibility to expand access to justice.

Every lawyer has a professional responsibility to provide legal services to those unable to pay. A lawyer should aspire to render at least (50) hours of pro bono publico legal services per year.

Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Opportunities

Arkansas Access to Justice hosts free, bi-monthly CLEs covering key topics relevant to legal aid, pro bono work, and emerging legal issues affecting low-income Arkansans. Many CLEs also include ethics hours.

Arkansas Free Legal Answers is an online pro bono clinic that allows attorneys to help Arkansans from anywhere, at any time. By answering civil legal questions posted by low-income individuals, you provide crucial legal assistance while earning one hour of CLE credit per three hours of service (up to 3 hours annually).

Why Volunteer?

  • Work on your schedule
    Log in anytime to answer questions.
  • Low commitment
    Even answering a single question makes an impact.
  • No malpractice concerns
    The program provides coverage.

The Arkansas Pro Bono Portal makes it easy for attorneys to find and take on pro bono cases that match their interests, availability, and expertise. This portal, powered by Paladin, connects attorneys with individuals in need of legal help through Legal Aid of Arkansas and Arkansas Access to Justice.

How it Works

  • Browse Cases & Clinics 
    View available pro bono matters based on practice area, time commitment, location, and whether they can be handled remotely.
  • Learn the Details 
    Each case listing provides an overview of the legal issue, estimated hours required, location, and key facts.
  • Express Interest 
    If a case aligns with your expertise, click “Express Interest” to receive next steps via email.
  • Make an Impact 
    Help Arkansans in need while earning potential CLE credit for your pro bono work.

Examples

Saint Francis Adult Guardianship
Assist an elderly client with guardianship matters in Forrest City, AR (5-10 hours, limited scope).

Paternity & Custody Case in Crittenden County 
Help a father navigate paternity and custody proceedings in Jonesboro, AR (5-10 hours, limited scope).

Senior Veteran Seeking Estate Planning Assistance 
Provide estate planning guidance for a veteran in Boone County, AR (under 5 hours).

Free Legal Clinics 
Join an in-person “Road to Justice” or Record Sealing clinic in cities across Arkansas.

The Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts (IOLTA) Program supports legal aid by directing interest from pooled trust accounts to fund free legal services for low-income Arkansans.

IOLTA Rules & Compliance
Ensure your practice follows Arkansas Rule of Professional Conduct 1.15.

Where to Bank
View the list of preferred IOLTA banks that offer the best interest rates.

Forms & Agreements
Access IOLTA account agreements, compliance forms, and exemption requests.

Attorneys can offer limited scope representation (unbundled services) to help clients who cannot afford full legal representation. This allows clients to pay only for the legal assistance they need, such as document preparation, legal advice, or a single court appearance.

Benefits for Attorneys

  • Expand your client base
  • Earn fees for specific legal tasks
  • Reduce unpaid invoices by offering flat-fee services

Want to be listed in the Arkansas directory of attorneys offering unbundled services?

Requirements:

  • Be an Arkansas-licensed attorney in good standing.
  • Watch our free on-demand webinar on unbundling.
  • Provide proof of malpractice insurance.
  • List unbundled services on your firm’s website.