How Pro Bono Leads Are Matched

Quick Answer

Pro bono leads use the same 6-filter matching engine as paid referrals, requiring approved listings with matching credentials, specialties, languages, and geographic proximity. During manual review, Heritage Web separates pro bono requests from paid leads, then the system automatically matches them to qualified professionals who can browse freely but use monthly accesses to connect.

Overview

Understanding how pro bono matching works helps you receive more relevant opportunities and serve communities effectively. The system prioritizes creating trust and understanding through cultural and language alignment while ensuring only qualified professionals connect with clients in need.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Client Submits Pro Bono Request

Community members access intake forms on any of Heritage Web's 300+ publications:

Select "Pro Bono" or indicate inability to pay
Describe their situation and needs
Specify language preferences
Provide contact information
Submit for review

Step 2: Manual Review and Categorization

Within 24 hours, Heritage Web team:

Reviews submission using third-party verification tools
Validates contact information authenticity
Identifies genuine need for pro bono services
Categorizes as pro bono (separate from paid leads)
Assigns appropriate practice area categories

Step 3: Automatic Matching Process

The system applies six filters to find qualified professionals:

Filter	How It Works	Pro Bono Application
Publication	Matches source publication	Prioritizes professionals on same publication for community trust
License	Verifies credentials	Must have valid license in client's state (or national practice)
Specialty	Matches practice areas	Compares client needs to your 7 specialties
Language	Ensures communication	Matches languages you OR your team speak
Distance	Geographic proximity	Default 75-mile radius from your location
Experience	Years in practice	Tiebreaker when multiple professionals qualify

Step 4: Lead Distribution

Matched opportunities appear in dashboards based on listing type:

Sponsor listings: Immediate notification via email (SMS optional)
Free listings: Email notification after 24-hour sponsor priority
All matched professionals can view the opportunity
First to click "I'll Take It" connects with client

Step 5: Access and Connection

When you find a suitable match:

Review full case details (except contact info)
Click "I'll Take It" to use one access
Free users see confirmation of monthly usage
Sponsors have unlimited access
Receive full contact information instantly

Important Notes

Listing Required: You must have at least one approved listing to receive matches
No Auto-Assignment: You choose which opportunities to accept
Team Languages: Include staff and colleague languages for better matching
Publication Priority: Listing on the client's publication increases match likelihood
Quality Control: Third-party verification ensures legitimate requests

FAQs

Q: Why do I see some pro bono opportunities but can't click "I'll Take It"? A: The button only appears for opportunities that match your approved listings. Check that your credentials, specialties, and location align with the client's needs.

Q: How is pro bono different from paid referral matching? A: The matching engine is identical, but pro bono leads are manually identified during review, aren't exclusive to one professional, and use the access model instead of payment.

Q: Can I improve my pro bono match rate? A: Yes. List on community-specific publications, include all team languages, use all 7 specialty slots, and consider expanding your service radius for pro bono work.

Q: Do pro bono matches consider my capacity? A: No. The system matches based on qualifications only. You control your workload by choosing which opportunities to accept within your monthly access limit.

Q: Why does language matching include my team? A: Clients need to communicate effectively about their legal matters. If your paralegal or assistant speaks their language, you can serve them effectively even if you don't speak it personally.