Pro Bono Access & Incentive Tax Credit Act
Give lawyers a tax credit for helping people who can't afford attorneys. More free legal help for families facing eviction, domestic violence, and immigration problems.
⚖️ What Does This Bill Do?
Millions of Americans face legal problems—eviction, divorce, custody, debt—but can't afford a lawyer. Many lose because they're alone against someone with legal help. This bill gives lawyers a TAX CREDIT when they help low-income people for FREE (that's called "pro bono"). Up to $50,000 per year! More lawyers helping = more families getting justice. It's a win-win: lawyers get rewarded, families get help, and courts work better.
🚨 The Justice Gap
Low-income Americans face legal battles every day without anyone to help them.
Evictions
Families lose homes because landlords have lawyers and they don't
Custody Battles
Parents can't fight for their kids without legal help
Domestic Violence
Survivors need help getting protection orders
Immigration
Facing deportation with no one to explain the law
🏛️ How This Bill Helps
Tax Credit for Lawyers
50% of hourly rate (up to $250/hour) for free legal work
Real Cases, Real Help
Housing, family, employment, debt, benefits, immigration
Fiscally Responsible
$1 billion national cap, $50K per lawyer per year
Privacy Protected
Client secrets stay secret, no personal info shared
💰 The Tax Credit: How It Works
Lawyers get credit for 50% of their hourly rate when helping low-income clients for free.
⚖️ Out-of-Court Settlement
Resolving cases without going to trial saves time and stress
🏛️ In-Court Victory
Winning in court for clients who need a lawyer to fight
🤝 Mediation/Arbitration
Resolving disputes through neutral third parties
📋 Qualifying Legal Matters
These are the types of cases that qualify—real problems facing real families.
Housing & Eviction
Family Law
Domestic Violence
Employment Rights
Consumer Debt
Public Benefits
Immigration
Essential Rights
📊 Fiscal Caps: Responsible Spending
Hard limits keep this program affordable and sustainable.
🔒 Client & Lawyer Protections
Privacy matters. Professional ethics matter. This bill protects both.
Confidentiality Protected
Attorney-client privilege stays sacred—no secrets revealed
100% Voluntary
No lawyer is REQUIRED to do pro bono work
State Rules Respected
State bar ethics rules still apply in full
No Immigration Misuse
Client info can't be used for immigration enforcement
📝 How Lawyers Claim the Credit
Take a Case
Accept a qualifying case through a certified program
Help the Client
Provide free legal services—settlement, court, or mediation
Get Certified
Program certifies hours worked and outcome achieved
Claim Credit
File taxes and receive credit for qualified hours
🛡️ Built-In Safeguards
100% Voluntary
No lawyer forced to participate. It's an incentive, not a mandate.
National Cap
$1 billion maximum per year. Pro-rated if exceeded.
Certified Programs
Only through qualified legal aid organizations.
Data Minimization
Only necessary info collected. Protected like tax returns.
GAO Review
Independent evaluation at Year 7.
10-Year Sunset
Program expires unless Congress reauthorizes.
⚖️ Justice Shouldn't Depend on Your Bank Account
Every day, Americans lose their homes, their children, their safety—not because they're wrong, but because they can't afford a lawyer. Meanwhile, lawyers want to help but can't always afford to work for free. This bill bridges that gap: a tax credit that rewards lawyers for doing good. Up to $50,000 per year for helping people who need it most. Client secrets protected. Fiscally capped at $1 billion. Voluntary for everyone. More lawyers helping means more families getting justice. That's showing your work.
Gregory Burgess for Congress
No Party Preference • California's 2nd Congressional District
"Show Your Work" Campaign