Florida Pro Bono Matters FAQ

What is Florida Pro Bono Matters?

Florida Pro Bono Matters (www.FloridaProBonoMatters.org) is an interactive website that enables attorneys to search for pro bono cases that suit their interests and submit an interest form to the legal aid or pro bono program that posted the case. The site is the first in the country to automatically gather and display available pro bono matters from multiple programs via their case management systems. This is possible because all Foundation grantees use the same case management system, which the Foundation helped them adopt previously. The Foundation had the case management system modified to make the gathering of cases for Florida Pro Bono Matters virtually seamless. Florida Pro Bono Matters also allows for organizations not supported by the Foundation and not on the common case management system to post cases.

How does it work?

Florida’s nonprofit pro bono programs screen applicants for eligibility and then post their cases on the Florida Pro Bono Matters website. Pro Bono attorneys can go to a single, user-friendly site to search for available pro bono cases posted by multiple programs. The site offers organic keyword search capabilities that allow users to find cases in their geographic and practice areas, or that otherwise meet the attorneys’ interest criteria.

How does it work for the posting program?

Upon receiving an attorney’s interest form, the pro bono program conducts its normal process to place the matter, including conflicts checking, providing a mentor and connecting the attorney with relevant resources, if requested, and then assigning the matter to the attorney when both parties agree.

How does it work for the attorney?

After choosing a case from the search results, the attorney fills out and submits a simple interest form, which alerts the pro bono program that he or she is interested in representing the client.

How does an attorney search for a case?

In the search bar, type in your criteria for a case. For example, “Pinellas” or “Orlando” to search for all cases in a particular geographic area. Or, search by case type using words like “dependency” or “immigration”. You can combine search terms, like “bankruptcy Jefferson County”.

I’m on www.FloridaProBonoMatters.org, but I don’t see any case cards. What’s wrong?

Sometimes, browsers need a hard refresh to update the display. Click here for instructions to hard refresh your browser.

How do I find out the location of the case, or the organization that posted it?

At the bottom right of the case card, click “More Info” to see the case’s location.


How do I submit an interest form for a case?

On the right side of the case card, click “Interested?” to reveal the submission form. Enter your information, and click “submit”.


What happens after I submit an interest form?

You and the program posting the case will receive an email alert. The program will reach out to you shortly.

Is there a conflicts check?

Once you submit an interest form, and you and the program have decided the case is a good fit, you and the program will determine if there are any conflicts.

What if I don’t hear back after submitting an interest form?

Please call Claud Nelson at 407-960-7000.

What if I have accepted a case but now cannot get ahold of the program?

Please call Claud Nelson at 407-960-7000.

What is the Florida Pro Bono Matters chatbot?

The chatbot assists lawyers via text message. Text “Hi” to 407-988-2970 to start a conversation about:

  • Setting your preferences so you’re notified when a case matches them
  • Searching for available cases by location and/or practice area
  • Asking for help if you get stuck.

Click here for a chatbot FAQ.

I need more help. Who can I talk to?

If you need additional assistance, please contact Claud Nelson at 407-960-7000, or cbnelson@flabarfndn.org.

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