MISSION STATEMENT
DeKalb Pro Bono is dedicated to serving the citizens of DeKalb County, Georgia and to promoting the administration of justice by developing, operating, and administrating programs for the provision of attorneys of volunteer legal services to low-income persons involved in civil matters.
HISTORY
DeKalb Pro Bono, formally incorporated as DeKalb Volunteer Lawyers Foundation, was created as a joint project of the Decatur-DeKalb Bar Association and the Atlanta Legal Aid Society. While maintaining a close relationship with both founding organizations, DeKalb Pro Bono was officially incorporated on June 1, 1982, with prominent local lawyers on the board.
During its 40-year history, DeKalb Pro Bono has assisted more than 12,000 clients with their civil legal matters.
To date, more than 1,000 lawyers have given their time to support their community through our organization. Currently, there more than 500 lawyers serving in our volunteer network who are willing to aid in areas such as bankruptcy, consumer debt, estate planning, family law, landlord/tenant, probate and temporary protection orders (TPOs).
In June 1983, the State Bar of Georgia provided DeKalb Pro Bono with a “Certificate of Recognition” in acknowledgment of its success and impact. The following year, the organization was awarded the “Pro Bono Public Award for Outstanding Program of the State of Georgia.” Further, DeKalb Pro Bono was awarded the “Legal Pioneer Award” by the DeKalb Bar Association in 2007, and the “Community Partner Award” by Tapestri in 2017.