Based on the guidelines at the bottom of the page, the Wyoming State Bar may reimburse Bar members for out-of-pocket costs (up to $1,000 per case) associated with pro bono legal services meeting the following criteria:
- the legal services are provided in Wyoming;
- without fee or expectation of fee;
- to indigent persons who are unable to pay the costs for which reimbursement is requested.
Pro Bono Reimbursement Guidelines
The Wyoming State Bar appreciates pro bono services provided by its members. Though there is no statutory or rule provision for reimbursement of such expenses, it is the policy of the Bar to provide limited reimbursement for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. These reimbursements may not cover all actual expenses as the limit per case is $1,000. At the conclusion of the representation, you may file a request for reimbursement, which must be accompanied by receipts for each expense claimed.
In the highest tradition of Wyoming lawyers, the Bar expects that lawyers who accept a pro bono case will handle the case on a strictly pro bono basis. Thus, under no circumstance may a lawyer collect a fee directly from the client. Similarly, neither attorney fees nor compensation for the pro bono lawyer’s staff will be reimbursed by the Bar.
Decisions regarding requests for reimbursement will be made by the Bar’s Executive Director in her sole discretion in a manner consistent with this policy. Out-of-pocket costs eligible for reimbursement by the Bar include:
- Filing fees
- Fees for service of process
- Actual expenses for copying and postage
- Fees paid to subpoenaed witnesses
- Deposition transcripts
- Expert witness fees
- Mileage for out-of-town travel solely related to the pro bono case
- Reasonable expense of meals and lodging for out-of-town travel solely related to the case