Which group should benefit predominantly from a lawyer's pro bono services?

The primary purpose of pro bono services is to ensure that access to justice is available to individuals and groups who may not have the financial means to afford legal representation. The Model Rules of Professional Conduct encourage lawyers to engage in pro bono work specifically to serve those who are economically disadvantaged.

By focusing on persons of limited means, lawyers can help address significant disparities in access to legal services, thereby promoting fairness and seeking to alleviate barriers that marginalized or lower-income individuals may face in navigating the legal system. This commitment not only fulfills a professional obligation but also reflects the ethical responsibility of lawyers to contribute to the community and assist those in need.

Engaging with corporations, government officials, or international organizations typically serves different interests and does not align with the intent of pro bono work, which is to aid those who are underserved and protect the rights of individuals who cannot otherwise afford representation. Thus, the emphasis on providing assistance to persons of limited means underscores the lawyer’s role as an advocate for justice and equality.