Pro bono lawyer in Brazil: what it is, who can get one and where to find one

Pro bono legal work is the free, occasional and voluntary provision of legal services by lawyers. Since 2015, the rules of the OAB (the Brazilian Bar Association) allow it to benefit not only non-profit organizations but also individuals who cannot pay a lawyer without compromising their own support.

Quick summary

• Governed by CFOAB Provision 166/2015 (CFOAB is the OAB's Federal Council) and the OAB Code of Ethics and Discipline.
• It is free, occasional and voluntary — the lawyer is not obliged to accept.
• Beneficiaries: non-profit social institutions and individuals without the means to pay a lawyer.
• A lawyer who acted pro bono cannot charge that client for another case for 3 years.
• It cannot be used to attract clients or for party-political purposes.

What the rule says

CFOAB Provision 166/2015 defines pro bono work and sets limits to prevent it from becoming a gateway to paid contracts:

• Ban on later charges: whoever provided pro bono services cannot act for a fee for the same beneficiary for 3 years.
• No tie-ins: free assistance cannot be conditional on hiring other services.
• No client solicitation: only generic institutional publicity is allowed.
• Same dedication: the lawyer must act with the same care as in a paid case.

The provision also clarifies that assistance provided by the Public Defender's Office and through OAB agreements is not pro bono — these are other forms of free legal assistance.

Where to find pro bono help

• Law firms with pro bono programs — many firms run their own programs and receive requests by email or form.
• Civil society organizations that match people with volunteer lawyers.
• Legal clinics at universities.
• OAB committees in your city, which may point to local initiatives.

Step by step to request it

1. Write a one-page summary: who you are, what happened, dates, amounts involved and what you need.
2. Gather documents proving the situation and your income.
3. Send the request to several programs at the same time — replies can take a while and not all of them handle labor law.
4. Watch your case deadline: in labor matters, 2 years after the end of the contract. If it is close, consider jus postulandi or other free options.

Frequently asked questions

Can an individual get a pro bono lawyer?

Yes. Since 2015, OAB rules allow pro bono work for individuals who cannot pay a lawyer without harming their own support.

Can a pro bono lawyer charge me later?

Not for the pro bono case. And for 3 years, they cannot act for you for a fee.

Is pro bono the same as the Public Defender's Office?

No. The Defender's Office is a public body. Pro bono is voluntary work by private lawyers.

Is a lawyer obliged to take my case pro bono?

No. The work is voluntary and occasional.

Read more in this series

• How to find a labor lawyer: free, contingency, court-appointed or private
• Court-appointed lawyer: what it is, who is entitled and how to request one
• Does the Public Defender's Office handle labor cases? When and how
• Free legal aid in the Labor Court: who is entitled and how to apply (2026)
• Index: complete guide to labor rights