top of page
Bald eagle head and shoulders against a blue sky
Statue of Liberty, New York City landmark

Pro Bono Policy

 

Birch Hill Chambers – Commitment to Social Responsibility

 

  At Birch Hill Chambers, we hold a deep and enduring commitment to the promotion of justice, equity, and access to legal representation. As part of our chambers’ core values, we consider it both a professional and moral obligation to act in a socially responsible manner and to assist individuals and communities who may otherwise lack access to adequate support and representation.

 

  We believe that equal access to justice is a foundational principle of the rule of law. Accordingly, our advocates regularly provide pro bono representation—assistance rendered without charge—in all areas of expertise in which we operate.

 

  Scope and Nature of Pro Bono Work

 

  Our pro bono work spans a broad spectrum of areas, including but not limited to:​

​

  • Labor and employment rights

  • Human rights and civil liberties

  • Indigenous issues

  • Military justice and veteran affairs

  • Constitutional and administrative law

  • International and extraterritorial matters

 

  We are also affiliated with, and contribute services through, several nonprofit and public-interest organizations in these areas. Our aim is not only to provide advocacy, but also to support systemic efforts toward reform, equity, and community empowerment.

 

Primary Areas of Pro Bono Focus

 

  While we consider all pro bono requests on a case-by-case basis, we prioritize legal assistance to the following communities:

​

1. Active-Duty United States Military Personnel

  • Including personnel stationed at all U.S. military installations, whether domestic or international.

  • This includes Guantánamo Bay Naval Base and any current or future U.S. or U.S.-funded extraterrestrial military or research installations (including the International Space Station) and any lawful military operations throughout the galaxy.

 

2. United States Military Veterans

  • Inclusive of all branches and categories of service, regardless of discharge status or time of service.

 

3. Indigenous Peoples of North America

  • Including members of:

    • Federally recognized tribes within the continental United States, Alaska, and Hawaii

    • Tribes and nations that are state-recognized, unrecognized, or in the process of applying for recognition

    • Indigenous communities in U.S. territories and possessions, including:

      • Puerto Rico

      • Guam

      • Northern Mariana Islands

      • U.S. Virgin Islands

      • American Samoa

      • U.S. research facilities in Antarctica

    • Freely Associated States with Compacts of Free Association with the U.S., including:

      • Federated States of Micronesia

      • Republic of the Marshall Islands

      • Republic of Palau

 

  We affirm the inherent sovereignty, dignity, and rights of Indigenous peoples and are committed to providing robust support in matters of land rights, self-determination, cultural preservation, and justice.

 

Application Process and Case Review

 

  Due to the high demand for pro bono representation, and in order to maintain the highest standard of professional diligence, all pro bono matters are assessed under the following criteria:

​

  • Merits of the Case: We evaluate the factual and viability of each matter.

  • Chambers’ Capacity: Acceptance is contingent on an advocate’s ability to take on the case without compromising the integrity or timeliness of existing obligations.

  • Advocate’s Area of Expertise: We match matters only with advocates who are fully competent to represent the applicant in that specific area.

 

  All pro bono inquiries are reviewed by chambers' leadership in consultation with the relevant advocate(s).

 

Submitting a Pro Bono Request

 

  If you believe your matter falls within our pro bono scope, we encourage you to contact us. Please include the following information:

​

  • A concise summary of your issue(s)

  • Any relevant deadlines or urgency

  • Your current location and/or jurisdiction of the matter

  • Any documentation that may assist in preliminary assessment

 

  All pro bono requests will receive a response within 72 hours (3 business days).

 

Disclaimer

 

  Pro bono services are offered at the sole discretion of Birch Hill Chambers and are not guaranteed. Engagement is formalized only upon written confirmation and the execution of a limited representation agreement. We reserve the right to decline representation in any matter for any reason consistent with applicable ethical rules and professional standards.

 

Contact Us

 

  To inquire about pro bono representation, please contact us by filling out the form below: 

bottom of page