Pro Bono?

[safeber]

What is the name of your state?VA

Are there any bounds on Pro Bono?

The gap between my wife's salary and mine is large, she brings in more. She also works as a legal secretary for a law firm. We both have attorneys for divorce. She chose to sabatoge independent mediation. Her position is all or nothing. Although, due to my work schedule, the children are with her for now her aggressive appoach can not be good for the kids in the long run.

I posted under this forum because my question concerns ethics and financial concerns. Given she works for attorneys and having met them before at office functions I would not doubt that there is a Pro Bono situation set up with her attorney. Of course I have no proof yet. If true, how would a judge look upon this financial leverage given our income discrepancy? Would the system even care? I figure Pro Bono is a private business practice and thus not regulated. For a case like this is there even a requirement to reveal such a setup or am I a future victim of "How much justice can you afford?"
Obviously, her financial backing could be quite extensive under such an agreement.

Thanks for your advice.

[acmb05]

So she is getting free legal help from the firm she works for. How much she is or is not paying her attorney does not matter.

[JETX]

Originally Posted by safeber

Given she works for attorneys and having met them before at office functions I would not doubt that there is a Pro Bono situation set up with her attorney.

So what??

Of course I have no proof yet. If true, how would a judge look upon this financial leverage given our income discrepancy?

No.

Would the system even care?

No.

And if the roles were reversed and your legal services were being provided for free or reduced cause from your 'Uncle Phil' who is an attorney..... would you think it reasonable to be 'punished' by the courts??? Of course not.

BTW, the services they may be providing are 'professional courtesy'.... not 'pro bono'.

pro bono
adj. short for pro bono publico, Latin for "for the public good," legal work performed by lawyers without pay to help people with legal problems and limited or no funds, or provide legal assistance to organizations involved in social causes such as environmental, consumer, minority, youth, battered women and education organizations and charities.