As recommended in the Standards for Programs Providing Civil Pro Bono Legal Services to Persons of Limited Means, pro bono programs should provide professional liability insurance for itself, its staff and its volunteers. The following providers offer such insurance. There may be other companies offering suitable insurance; being listed here is not to be construed as an endorsement.
- The National Legal Aid & Defender Association (NLADA) Insurance Program offers a wide array of coverage designed to address the special needs of legal services organizations, public defender agencies, law school clinics, pro bono programs, public interest organizations, contract defenders, assigned counsel, lawyer referral services, and others committed to ensuring the availability of high quality legal services for the poor and underprivileged. Read more information about coverage provided.
- Since 1992, CIMA Legal Services Professionals Insurance Program (CIMA) has offered an alternative for the professional liability insurance needs of attorneys who represent the indigent. Civil legal services professionals and public defenders alike are eligible. CMA’s program includes full prior-acts coverage and pays 100% of defense and indemnification for covered claims made under the defense of contempt proceedings, and employment practices coverages, after the deductible has been satisfied. Professional liability coverage is extended to non-lawyer employees arising out of services rendered within the scope of such person's employment, and does not restrict coverage to services performed while under the direction of lawyers. Read more information about coverage provided.
- Complete Equity Markets, Inc. offers low-cost liability insurance designed specifically for legal services organizations. Policies under this program extend coverage to the individual attorneys, paralegals, law students and clerical staff who provide legal services. Coverage can also extend to persons not on staff who provide legal services for clients of the organization including, but not limited to, volunteer attorneys and attorneys in private practice accepting referrals of legal aid eligible clients on a pro bono / judicare or contract basis. Read more information about coverage provided.