California Pro Bono Portal User Terms of Service and User Agreement (“Agreement”)

1.1. Legal Service Organization (LSO). Legal Service Organization (LSO). An approved nonprofit organization or other entity providing free or low-cost legal services to people living in California, who are of limited financial means or from other vulnerable populations. As described in this Agreement, an LSO’s primary use of the Portal will be to publish, monitor, and manage Volunteer opportunities.

1.2. Pro Bono Legal Services. Pro Bono Legal Services. "Pro bono legal services" means providing or enabling the direct delivery of legal services without expectation of compensation from the client other than reimbursement of expenses to any of the following:

(a) an indigent person, as defined in Bus. & Prof. Code § 6213(d);

(b) a charitable, religious, civic, community, governmental, or educational organization in matters that are designed primarily to address the needs of persons of limited means; or

(c) a charitable, religious, civic, community, governmental, or educational organization in matters in furtherance of its organizational purposes.

1.3. California Pro Bono Portal (Portal). The Portal is a website offered to LSOs and Volunteers as a free resource designed to connect LSOs and Volunteers to help California residents of limited financial means to access high-quality, free legal services.

1.4 Volunteer. An individual (or organization representing individuals, such as a law firm or bar association) interested in providing free assistance to clients of an LSO. As described in this Agreement, a Volunteer’s primary use of the Portal will be to review, select, and complete pro bono opportunities provided by LSOs.

1.5 User. LSOs and Volunteers are considered “Users” of the Portal. As described in this Agreement, certain terms and conditions only apply to LSOs, certain terms and conditions only apply to Volunteers, and certain terms and conditions apply to both LSOs and Volunteers (Users).

1.6 Client. An individual or organization receiving or seeking legal assistance through a Legal Service Organization (LSO) via the Portal. Clients must fall within the scope of pro bono legal services as defined in Section 1.2, and are typically individuals of limited financial means, or organizations serving or operating in furtherance of the needs of vulnerable populations.

2.1. Primary Purpose. The primary purpose of the Portal is to increase access to free, high-quality legal services for people of limited financial means and other vulnerable populations by creating a space for LSOs to publish and Volunteers to find pro bono legal opportunities.

2.2. Cost. The Portal is free of charge to all Users.

2.3. Community Grown. The Portal was built in collaboration with legal service providers, law firm professionals, and other community members who have invested hundreds of hours in planning, building, and incorporating community feedback. The Portal is intended to reflect the interests of the legal services and pro bono community in California, including those who provided feedback throughout the planning and buildout processes. The Portal is interested in hearing feedback to iterate, build upon, and expand its efficacy. Any User with suggestions or questions is encouraged to reach out to calprobono@goa2jtech.com.

2.4. Links to Other Sites and Resources. The Portal may contain links to other websites or resources. Users acknowledge and agree that these links are provided for convenience only, and the Portal does not endorse, sponsor, or have any control over the content, privacy policies, or practices of these linked sites. By clicking on these links, Users acknowledge that the linked sites may use cookies, collect data, or solicit personal information. It is the User's independent responsibility (and not the Portal’s responsibility) to review the terms and privacy policies of these linked sites before interacting with them.

2.5. No Guarantee of Results. Users acknowledge and agree that the Portal cannot guarantee Volunteer placement or other results. Users acknowledge and agree that the Portal is not the only platform to find pro bono opportunities and, specifically, that no opportunity found on the Portal is guaranteed to be available or assigned at the time it is published or viewed by a User. The Portal has an independent right to terminate Users at any time.

2.6 Privacy Policy. Users agree to the Portal’s Privacy Policy, which governs the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information. By using the Portal, Users acknowledge and consent to the Portal’s data practices, including the use of cookies, analytics tools, and third-party services. The Privacy Policy is available on the Portal and may be updated periodically. Users are encouraged to review it regularly to stay informed about how their data is handled.

LSO acknowledges and agrees that the Portal cannot guarantee Volunteer placement or other results and the Portal is not responsible for ensuring Volunteer placements. LSO acknowledges and agrees that the Portal may not be an appropriate platform to find Volunteer assistance in all cases, in particular where a quick turnaround and/or addressing an emergency is required. LSO further acknowledges and agrees that it may only post pro bono opportunities on the Portal, and that it may not use the Portal to post employment opportunities with the LSO, or any other non-pro bono opportunities.

The Portal has no responsibility for the following items. LSO acknowledges and agrees that it has independent responsibility for the following:

3.1. Provide Accurate, Complete, and Current Information to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of any information provided on the Portal, including, without limitation, contact information and Volunteer opportunity descriptions.

3.2. Ensure Volunteers Meet All Legal Requirements including requirements necessary to Volunteer with LSO, such as, malpractice insurance coverage, professional responsibility compliance, and any other requirements set forth under applicable law and regulation.

3.3. Monitor Volunteers including the conduct and performance of Volunteers, managing legal assistance, and ensuring quality and appropriate service to clients. The Portal has exclusive authority to take corrective action in response to reports of substandard performance, including terminating any User's right to access and use the Portal.

3.4. Manage Legal Assistance, Cases, and Opportunities by ensuring quality and appropriate service to clients obtained through the Portal.

3.5. Ensure Compliance with all Laws, such as maintaining confidentiality of information and ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

3.6. Keep Clients Informed of the status of case opportunities provided on the Portal.

3.7. Provide Competent Assistance and Training in any opportunity provided on the Portal.

3.8. Commit to Professionalism and uphold the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct. LSO further acknowledges and agrees that any behavior inconsistent with these principles may, at the Portal’s independent discretion, result in LSO’s immediate suspension, reduction, and/or termination of access to and use of the Portal.

3.9. Conduct Required Conflict Checks for representation, including for any Volunteers obtained through the Portal.

3.10. Confirm Appropriate Malpractice Insurance prior to providing pro bono services through the Portal and that Volunteer has all required malpractice and/or other necessary insurance coverage, either independently or through an LSO.

3.11. Consent to Receive Automated Notifications including, without limitation, expression of interest from Volunteers, updates on assignments, messages from clients, and important announcements related to Volunteer activities. These notifications may be sent via email, in-app messages, or other communication channels provided by the Portal or other third parties. LSOs can customize their automated notification settings in their profile.

The Portal has no responsibility for the following items. Volunteer acknowledges and agrees that it has independent responsibility for the following:

4.1. Provide Accurate, Complete, and Current Information to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of any information provided on the Portal, including, without limitation, information about a Volunteer’s education or other credentials and experience, language skills, or contact information.

4.2. Ensure Compliance with All Requirements including all legal, professional, and other requirements necessary for a selected pro bono opportunity. If Volunteer has any questions about Volunteer requirements for a particular opportunity, Volunteer should contact the LSO that posted the opportunity.

4.3. Commitment to Providing Pro Bono Services, Free of Charge: Volunteers shall not charge any fees for pro bono legal services described in opportunities offered through the Portal. The Portal is intended to facilitate the delivery of free, high-quality legal services. Additionally, Volunteers shall not use the Portal as a referral source to initially offer free legal services in response to a specific pro bono opportunity (as defined in Section 1.2) with the intent to later offer, or attempt to offer, fee-based services to the same client or entity.

4.4. Ensure Competency and Training including experience and expertise to provide legal services for any selected pro bono opportunities. If not already trained, Volunteer has independent responsibility (and the Portal has no responsibility) to complete relevant training to enhance their knowledge and effectiveness in serving clients. While the Portal may provide training materials, resources, or opportunities for continuing education to Volunteers, it remains the responsibility of the Volunteer (and not the Portal) to ensure they are adequately prepared to complete any selected pro bono opportunity.

4.5. Ensure Confidentiality of all client information obtained through the Portal; to take all necessary precautions to maintain confidentiality of client information consistent with applicable laws, ethical duties, and best practices; and to ensure the utmost confidentiality of client information throughout and following any services provided through the Portal.

4.6. Communicate Availability to ensure prompt services, reasonable updates, and address client inquiries for any selected pro bono opportunities. While Volunteer work is often flexible, Volunteers are required to provide clear communication regarding their availability (including changes to their availability) and appropriate, complete updates of their work to LSOs and clients.

4.7. Communicate Promptly and Professionally including without limitation, in all communications with people seeking legal assistance through the Portal and all communications with any LSO regarding a pro bono opportunity.

4.8. Maintain Reasonable Recordkeeping Practices and Respond to Requests regarding the pro bono services provided, including case details and time spent on an opportunity. Volunteers shall respond promptly to reasonable requests for this from any LSO or the Portal. This information may be maintained by a law firm or other organization on behalf of a Volunteer.

4.9. Commit to Professionalism and upholding the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct. Volunteer further acknowledges and agrees that any behavior inconsistent with these principles may, at the Portal’s independent discretion, result in Volunteer’s suspension, reduction, and/or termination of access to and use of Portal.

4.10. Responsibility to Confirm Malpractice Coverage prior to providing pro bono services through the Portal, that Volunteer has all required malpractice and/or other necessary insurance coverage, either independently or through an LSO.

4.11. Consent to Receive Automated Notifications. By registering on the Portal, Volunteer acknowledges and agrees to receive automated notifications, including, without limitation, updates on case and opportunity assignments, messages from clients, and important announcements related to Volunteer activities. These notifications may be sent via email, in-app messages, or other communication channels provided by the Portal.

4.12. Responsibility for Conflict Checks. Volunteer acknowledges and agrees that Volunteer has independent responsibility (and that the Portal has no responsibility) to complete required conflict checks required for representation, including for any Volunteers obtained through the Portal.

5.1. The Portal May Terminate User’s Access. User has no absolute right to use the Portal. The Portal may, at its independent discretion, terminate any User’s use of the Portal, in accordance with applicable law, at any time. Specifically, and without limitation, the Portal reserves the right to reduce, suspend, or remove a User’s access to the Portal if the User is determined to abuse the program and/or violate any term of this Agreement.

5.2. User’s Responsibilities to Ensure No Interruption to Client Service. User may terminate its own account and stop using the Portal. In this event, User acknowledges and agrees that it will not terminate its use of the Portal in any way that negatively impacts client representation, and further acknowledges and agrees that User has independent responsibility (and the Portal has no responsibility) for ensuring that termination of its use of the Portal is consistent with all applicable laws and ethical obligations, including with respect to competent client representation.

6.1. User agrees to fully indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Portal from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorney's fees) arising out of or related to: (a) any breach of this Agreement; (b) any negligent or willful acts or omissions of the User or its agents, employees, or representatives in connection with this Agreement; (c) any third-party claims, including but not limited to claims for personal injury, property damage, or infringement of intellectual property rights, arising from the User’s performance under this Agreement; and (d) any other claims or liabilities for which the User is legally responsible under this Agreement.

6.2. In the event that the Portal becomes aware of any claim or demand for which it seeks indemnification under this Agreement, the Portal shall promptly notify User in writing of such claim or demand. User shall have the right to assume the defense and control of such claim or demand, with counsel reasonably acceptable to the Portal, and the Portal shall cooperate fully with User in the defense of such claim. User shall not settle any claim or demand that imposes any liability or obligation on the Portal without the Portal’s prior written consent.

6.3. The indemnification obligations under this Section shall survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement.

6.4. Intellectual Property Rights. Users retain ownership of any content, materials, or information they submit to the Portal, including but not limited to opportunity descriptions, training materials, and communications. By submitting such content, Users grant the Portal a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, modify, distribute, and display the content for purposes related to the operation, promotion, and improvement of the Portal, in accordance with the User’s profile settings and preferences. This license does not transfer ownership. While Users may remove content from public view on the Portal, the Portal may retain archived or system-generated records of such content for compliance, audit, or operational purposes, subject to applicable laws and regulations.

6.5 Force Majeure. The Portal shall not be held liable for any failure or delay in performance under this Agreement due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to unforeseeable events, natural disasters, war, terrorism, labor disputes, pandemics, cyberattacks, power outages, or governmental actions. In such cases, the Portal will make reasonable efforts to resume operations and minimize disruption to Users.

7.1. Data and Reporting. The Portal may periodically request data from User regarding the Portal usage. User acknowledges and agrees that it will share relevant data and reports with the Portal, assisting in evaluating the impact and effectiveness of the services provided.

8.1. The Portal is committed to advancing justice and promoting equity for our clients and communities, recognizing the reality that we live in a society where racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and other prejudices create barriers to access equitable legal services. Through providing greater access to high-quality legal services, the Portal works to stand up against such prejudices and remove barriers limiting equitable access to legal services.

8.2. User acknowledges and agrees to commit to advance justice and promote equity, including by offering services without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other protected status under applicable laws or regulations. User further acknowledges and agrees to embrace diversity, ensure equal access to legal aid services, and foster an inclusive environment for all individuals using the Portal.

8.3 The Portal is committed to ensuring that all users, including individuals with disabilities, have equitable access to its services and resources. The Portal strives to meet recognized accessibility standards and welcomes feedback to improve usability and inclusivity. Users who encounter accessibility barriers are encouraged to contact the Portal for support or to provide feedback.

9.1. Any dispute, claim or controversy arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the breach, termination, enforcement, interpretation or validity thereof, including the determination of the scope or applicability of this agreement to arbitrate, shall be determined in accordance with this Section, including informal dispute resolution/mediation under Section 9.2 and, if those good faith efforts do not result in a satisfactory resolution, then arbitration under Section 9.3.

9.2. In the event of any dispute or disagreement arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, the User and the Portal shall first attempt to resolve the matter through good faith negotiations. If such negotiations fail to reach a resolution, either party may initiate mediation by providing written notice to the other party. The mediation shall be conducted in accordance with the rules and procedures of a mutually agreed-upon mediation service or mediator.

9.3. If mediation does not result in a satisfactory resolution within a reasonable timeframe, the parties may proceed to binding arbitration. The arbitration shall be administered by JAMS pursuant to its Comprehensive Arbitration Rules and Procedures and in accordance with the Expedited Procedures in those Rules or pursuant to JAMS’ Streamlined Arbitration Rules and Procedures. Judgment on the Award in arbitration may be entered in any court having jurisdiction. This clause shall not preclude parties from seeking provisional remedies in aid of arbitration from a court of appropriate jurisdiction.

10.1. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of California. Any legal actions, suits, or proceedings arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be instituted independently within California.

11.1. Complete Agreement. By proceeding with the application process, User expressly agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions reflected in this Agreement, effective as of the date of confirmed registration. Any failure to comply with this Agreement may result in immediate termination of User’s access to, and ability to use, the Portal.

11.2. Periodic Review and Amendments. This Agreement shall be subject to periodic review and may be amended as necessary to address changing circumstances or legal requirements. Any amendments to this Agreement shall be made in writing and published on the Portal or other means determined by the Portal. Users will be notified of material changes via reasonable methods, which may include email, updates posted directly on the Portal website, and in-app notifications. Continued use of the Portal following such notification constitutes acceptance of the revised Agreement. Users are encouraged to review the Agreement periodically to stay informed of any updates.