Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take before a lawyer is assigned to help my organization?

Once the MCB receives a completed Request from an eligible organization, the goal is to have a volunteer lawyer assigned within two to four weeks. If the matter is urgent and requires more immediate response, the organization should indicate special timing needs on the Request.

What kind of legal work is outside the scope of the MCB's Pro Bono for Nonprofits program?

The program does not recruit volunteer lawyers to handle litigation matters of any kind. The scope of the program includes the work that a corporate or real estate lawyer would typically handle.

Once a lawyer volunteers to work with an organization, will that lawyer handle all business law matters for the organization?

MCB will try to find a volunteer lawyer to handle a specific legal matter and does not generally ask a lawyer to commit to provide on-going legal representation. However, once a lawyer and an organization begin working together, they can decide to expand the representation if they wish.

Will the organization have to pay any fees for the work of a volunteer lawyer?

The legal work provided by the volunteer lawyer on the specific legal matter for which he or she is engaged will be done on a pro bono basis. The organization will not be charged legal fees for the work of the lawyer, although the lawyer will require payment of expenses, like copying, courier, telephone, filing fees and similar charges. The MCB encourages volunteer lawyers and their clients in the Pro Bono for Nonprofits program to sign an engagement letter outlining the billing arrangements.

Can an organization request volunteer legal services if the organization has engaged another lawyer in the past?

The Pro Bono for Nonprofits program generally seeks to serve charities that do not have pre-existing relationships with lawyers. However, if an organization has an unusual legal issue or matter involving expertise that the organizations existing lawyer does not have, the organization may be eligible for the Pro Bono for Nonprofits program.

If an organization has submitted a previous Request to the Pro Bono for Nonprofits program, can the organization submit subsequent Requests?

Yes.

If my organization does not have a specific and immediate legal matter, but simply wants to have access to a lawyer when needed, can the Pro Bono for Nonprofits program help?

Probably not. It can be very difficult to recruit a volunteer lawyer to provide general legal assistance. The lawyer would be concerned whether future legal issues are within his or her area of expertise. The lawyer would also be concerned about the ability to respond in a timely manner to a future request for legal assistance because of uncertainty about his or her own schedule.

If my organization wants a lawyer to serve on our board of directors, can the Pro Bono for Nonprofits program help?

The program does not recruit volunteer attorneys to sit on an organization's board.  However, once a lawyer begins working with an organization he or she can decide to expand the relationship if they wish.

Is the Pro Bono for Nonprofits program limited to charitable organizations serving Mecklenburg County?

At the present time, the program is not limited to charities serving Mecklenburg County, although some preference will be given to charities that serve, at least in part, a community service or development role in Mecklenburg County.

If my organization is unable to compile the information required in the Request for Business Law Services, what should I do?

Please call the MCB Program Assistant at 704/375-8624 ext.129 who can provide assistance by answering your questions or putting you in contact with a lawyer who can answer questions about completing the request.