2026 Admin Order 26-31

26-31, SUPERSEDES 16-37 IN RE: ATTORNEYS - PRO BONO PLAN - ORDERED 7/9/2026 BY MELANIE CHASE

WHEREAS, the Florida Supreme Court has held that “every lawyer of this state who is a member of The Florida Bar has an obligation to represent the poor when called upon by the courts and that each lawyer has agreed to that commitment when admitted to practice law in this state,” In re Amendments to Rules Regulating The Florida Bar-1-3.1(a) and Rules of Judicial Administration – 2.065 (Legal Aid), 573 So. 2d 800, 806 (Fla. 1990);

WHEREAS, the Florida Supreme Court promulgated Rule 4-6.5(c) of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar, providing for the establishment of a pro bono committee in each circuit, Amendments to Rules Regulating The Florida Bar-1-3.1(a) and Rules of Judicial Administration – 2.065 (Legal Aid), 630 So. 2d 501 (Fla. 1993);

WHEREAS, under Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.215(b)(3), the chief judge “ensures the efficient and proper administration of all courts within that circuit,” and under Rule 4-6.5(c) of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar, the chief judge of each circuit, or the chief judge’s designee, appoints the circuit pro bono committee members;

WHEREAS, Administrative Order 94-1 previously established an Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee, which was reconstituted in Administrative Order 16-37;

WHEREAS, in accordance with the authority vested in the Chief Judge by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.215 and Rule 4-6.5(c) of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar; and

IT IS ORDERED:

1. The Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee is hereby reestablished as set forth in this order.
2. PURPOSE:

The Pro Bono Committee for the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit shall endeavor to:

1. develop training and support for pro bono volunteers;
2. increase the availability of legal services to people of limited means by recruiting pro bono volunteers and supporting pro bono programs in the Circuit;
3. improve the support offered to lawyers who provide pro bono legal services to the indigent; and
4. foster collaborative relationships to promote pro bono services within the Circuit.

III. COMPOSITION:

      Pursuant to Rule 4-6.5(c), the Pro Bono Committee shall be comprised of the following members:

1. The Co-Chairs, Circuit Judge Mark Herr in Seminole County and Circuit Judge Steve Henderson in Brevard County, or their successors;
2. The Executive Director of Brevard County Legal Aid, Inc. or his/her designee;
3. The Executive Director of Seminole County Bar Association Legal Aid Society or his/her designee;
4. Two representatives nominated by the Brevard County Bar Association, one of whom should be a member of the board of directors;
5. Two representatives nominated by the Seminole County Bar Association, one of whom should be a member of the board of directors;
6. One representative nominated by the Brevard County Association for Women Lawyers;
7. One representative nominated by the Seminole County Florida Association for Women Lawyers;
8. One public member nominated by the other members of the committee;
9. One client-eligible member nominated by the other members of the committee; and
10. Any additional members of the bar associations or public appointed by the Co-Chairs.

If a member of the Pro Bono Committee becomes aware of another voluntary bar association, pro bono provider, or legal assistance provider with a presence or membership in Brevard or Seminole County that should have a representative on the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit’s Pro Bono Committee, he or she shall provide this information to the Co-Chairs of the Pro Bono Committee. The Co-Chairs may add additional members to the Pro Bono Committee as they determine to be fit and proper. An amended Administrative Order will not be necessary when new members are added.

1. RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Pro Bono Committee shall meet at least semi-annually and at such other times as are necessary to carry out the duties and responsibilities as set forth herein and pursuant to Rule 4-6.5(c)(2), (d) of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar. The Co-Chairs shall be responsible for setting the date, time, and location of the meetings, and such meetings may be held via video conference or other means as may be available to ensure greater participation and cost effectiveness.

The Committee shall prepare a written pro bono plan, implement the plan and monitor the results, and submit an annual report to The Florida Bar Pro Bono Legal Services Committee.

1. This Administrative Order shall take effect immediately and remain in effect until modified or rescinded.

 DONE AND ORDERED this 9^th day of July 2026. 

MELANIE CHASE

CHIEF JUDGE

Additional Links:

Amendment to Rules Regulating the Florida Bar-1-3.1(a)

Rules of Judicial Administration-2.065 (Legal Aid)

Florida Supreme Court promulgated Rule 4-6.5(c) of the Rules Regulating the Florida Bar providing for the establishment of a pro bono committee in each circuit. 

Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.215(b)(3) states the chief judge shall “develop an administrative plan for the efficient and proper administration of all courts within that circuit.”