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SUPREME COURT OF ARKANSAS
Opinion Delivered: October 5, 2017
IN RE ARKANSAS PRO BONO WEEK
PER CURIAM
As officers of the court, Arkansas attorneys bear a professional responsibility, under
Rule 6.1 of the Arkansas Rules of Professional Conduct, to provide free legal services to
persons of limited means or organizations that serve persons of limited means and to
voluntarily contribute financial support to organizations that provide legal services to persons
of limited means. This commitment to public service represents one of the noblest attributes
of the legal profession.
The American Bar Association has designated October 22–28, 2017, as National Pro
Bono Week to recognize the valuable contributions made by pro bono attorneys
throughout the year and to encourage pro bono participation across the nation to address
the legal needs of low-income Americans. This Court joins in this effort by designating
October 22–28, 2017, as Pro Bono Week in Arkansas.
The Court commends the many Arkansas attorneys who serve their profession, their
communities, and their state by donating thousands of hours of pro bono services and by
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making generous financial contributions to legal aid organizations. The Court encourages
all attorneys to abide by both the letter and the spirit of Rule 6.1 through pro bono service
and financial support. Consistent with Rule 3.7(B) of the Arkansas Code of Judicial
Conduct, the Court also encourages all judges to advocate for pro bono service by attorneys,
to participate in events that honor attorneys who provide pro bono service, to write and
speak in favor of pro bono service, and to recruit attorneys to provide pro bono service.
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