Federal Pro Bono Branch Launched in New Hampshire
A new legal program in Concord connects government attorneys with local organizations to assist the community.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Criminal Justice
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The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Hampshire has launched a local branch of the Federal Government Pro Bono Program. This initiative aims to assist citizens in Concord and across the state as they navigate complex court systems.
Why it matters
By facilitating partnerships between federal legal professionals and regional service providers, the office works to bridge gaps in legal accessibility for the public. The program is designed to strengthen support for residents who need guidance through the legal landscape.
The newly established New Hampshire branch involves 6 local legal service organizations. This program operates under a national framework that has been active for 30 years.
The players
U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Hampshire
This federal agency is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes and representing the United States in civil litigation within the state.
U.S. Department of Justice
This federal executive department is responsible for the enforcement of the law and the administration of justice in the United States.
The details
Federal attorneys and paraprofessionals are now being connected with local organizations to provide pro bono services. Participants recently attended the first New Hampshire Federal Pro Bono Program Fair to establish these working relationships.
Timeline
Federal government attorneys began engaging in pro bono work in the 1970s.
Executive Order 12988 was issued in 1996 to encourage federal volunteering.
The New Hampshire branch of the program launched in October 2026.
Legal Context
The expansion into New Hampshire follows the directives established by Executive Order 12988, which formally encouraged federal staff to engage in volunteer service. This move mirrors a long-term trend of increasing federal support for local civil legal aid.
Local residents in Concord may now find increased support when navigating the court system as federal staff begin their volunteer work. This program aims to provide citizens with greater access to legal resources through partnerships with local service organizations.
The takeaway
This program highlights how federal resources can be mobilized to address local legal needs effectively. Residents are encouraged to check with regional service organizations to see if they qualify for assistance under this expanded network.
Further reading
For more information on legal initiatives, visit Criminal Justice.
More information
Learn more about the program requirements and scope on the Federal Government Pro Bono Program information page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The United States Department of Justice.
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