WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

A 8318

Relates to pro bono service by attorneys and candidates for admission to the bar

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Micah Lasher

Promotes formal pro bono service for NY bar applicants and lawyers, potentially requiring hours, reporting, and supervised programs to expand free legal aid.

PRINT NUMBER 8318B
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 8318

Summary — Assembly Bill A8318 (Print No. 8318B)

Title: Relates to pro bono service by attorneys and candidates for admission to the bar
Sponsor: Assemblymember Micah Lasher
Status (as of materials provided): Referred to Judiciary; printed as A.8318A (5/15/2025) and amended/printed as A.8318B (6/03/2025); amended and recommitted to Judiciary multiple times. Companion bill: S.7860.

Note on source materials: the uploaded “version content” files contained non‑readable PDF data. This summary is based on the bill title, legislative history and standard legislative practice for measures addressing pro bono requirements. I can retrieve the full text and update the summary on request.

Main purpose / intent

The bill is intended to promote and formalize pro bono legal service by (a) licensed attorneys and (b) candidates for admission to the bar — likely by creating or modifying requirements, incentives, reporting, or programs to increase provision of free legal services to low‑income, underserved, or public‑interest clients.

Key provisions (anticipated or typical elements)

Because the readable statutory language was not available, the bill likely includes one or more of the following types of provisions commonly found in pro bono legislation:
- A requirement or condition for bar admission (or recommendation for admission) that applicants complete a defined period of pro bono legal service or law‑related public service (or an alternative clinical/externship experience).
- A requirement, recommendation, or incentive for licensed attorneys to perform a minimum number of pro bono hours annually, or to report pro bono hours to the bar association.
- Establishment or expansion of supervised pro bono programs (e.g., clinics, legal hotlines, court‑based pro bono initiatives) that allow law students and applicants to participate under supervision.
- Provisions for verification, recordkeeping, and reporting of pro bono service; possible exemptions or alternatives for individuals with hardship or particular practice areas.
- Coordination with the State Bar or Appellate Division: definitions, enforcement mechanisms, possible continuing legal education (CLE) credit for pro bono work, and protections for volunteer attorneys (malpractice coverage, indemnification).
- Definitions of eligible pro bono matters (civil matters for low‑income persons, public‑interest cases, etc.).

Who would be affected

  • Law students and applicants for admission to the New York bar (if the bill conditions admission or character certs on pro bono service).
  • Licensed attorneys practicing in New York (if the bill sets reporting or aspirational/mandatory service expectations).
  • Legal services providers, nonprofit organizations, courts, and local pro bono programs that would receive volunteers.
  • Clients with limited means who would gain increased access to free legal assistance.
  • The State Bar/Appellate Division and court administration (for implementation, tracking, and oversight).

Procedural / timeline notes

  • Introduced: May 13, 2025. Referred to the Judiciary Committee same day.
  • Printed as A.8318A: 05/15/2025. Amended and recommitted to Judiciary on 05/15/2025.
  • Further amended and printed as A.8318B: 06/03/2025. Amended (T) and recommitted to Judiciary on 06/03/2025.
  • Companion Senate bill S.7860 filed in parallel.

Potential impact and considerations

  • If mandatory, the bill could expand access to legal services but would raise questions about enforcement, fairness to applicants and practitioners, administrative burdens, and the quality/supervision of volunteer work.
  • If voluntary or incentive‑based, the bill may increase pro bono participation while avoiding enforcement issues.
  • Practical impact will depend on specifics: number of hours, eligible activities, supervision requirements, exemptions, and who administers the program.

If you want, I can:
- Retrieve and summarize the full text of A.8318B (and S.7860) and produce a clause‑by‑clause summary.
- Compare A.8318A to A.8318B to show what was amended.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.