Pro Bono Program Certification(a) In order for a pro bono program to obtain bar certification, the program must submit an application and meet the applicable criteria set forth below. The Bar's Chief Executive Officer determines whether a program is eligible for certification and this determination is final.(b) Purpose: The pro bono program must be sponsored by a national, state or local bar association, a court with jurisdiction in Oregon or an incorporated, non-profit or governmental organization, and must provide legal services without fee, or expectation of fee, or for a substantially reduced fee to one or more of the following: (1) Persons of limited means.(2) Underserved populations with special legal needs.(3) Charitable, religious, civic, community, governmental and educational organizations in matters which are designed primarily to address the needs of persons of limited means or underserved populations with special legal needs.(c) Compensation: The pro bono program must not provide any compensation to the participating lawyers, except to cover filing fees or other out-of-pocket expenses or to provide professional liability insurance for the pro bono activity.(d) Fees: The pro bono program must deliver legal services to clients at no fee or for a substantially reduced fee. Nominal administrative fees are allowed. Donations from clients, whether encouraged or not, are not considered fees. The pro bono program should prohibit or limit the handling of cases that are clearly fee-generating, and provide for the referral of such cases.(e) Quality Control: The program must demonstrate that it has the necessary expertise and quality control to administer a program involving volunteer lawyers. This should include appropriate matching of pro bono lawyers to cases, an effective grievance procedure and adequate tracking and record keeping systems regarding pro bono involvement.(f) Diversity: The program must comply with Article 9 of the Bar's Bylaws (Diversity), both in regard to participating lawyers and clients.(g) Professional Liability Coverage: The program will provide professional liability coverage for otherwise uncovered attorney volunteers when those attorneys provide legal services to pro bono clients.Adopted effective 4/14/2023.