Pro bono work is not required of attorneys, but courts occasionally appoint attorneys to represent an indigent client free of charge. Large law firms often perform pro bono work to contribute to their communities and create goodwill for the firm. Legal service offices are funded by a variety of sources, including private businesses, individuals, and federal, state and local governments. Most legal service offices specialize in certain cases. There are legal services for criminal defendants and legal services for civil matters such as landlord-tenant disputes, domestic violence, immigration, and family issues.
Legal insurance is a form of prepaid legal services.
For a regular fee, the consumer receives certain legal services. These package deals may be offered through labor unions, employers, or other private businesses. Most legal insurance policies do not cover every possible legal dispute, and the consumer may not be entitled to choose the lawyer. The consumer should ask many questions to determine the exact scope and nature of the legal representation offered in legal insurance packages. Once a potential client has made an appointment with an attorney, the client should prepare for the next meeting.