TASMANIA'S lawyers should take on some work for free as a way of maintaining the trust and respect of the public, says Chief Justice Peter Underwood.

The failure of solicitors' mortgage schemes had led to a perception that lawyers were not to be trusted and esteem for them had plummeted to an all-time low, Justice Underwood said in a recent speech.

He told a Law Society of Tasmania dinner that one way lawyers could improve the profession's standing was by undertaking some pro bono work.

"All lawyers need to remember that they belong to a profession and not just a trade and this means that lawyers are a group of people pursuing a common calling of the practice of the law in the spirit of public service," Justice Underwood said.

His comments were welcomed by Tasmania's legal community.

Hobart Community Legal Service manager Jane Hutchison said there was a need in Tasmania for lawyers to carry out pro bono work.

"It's happening but in a very ad hoc manner and if it were to be a little better organised it would not do the profession any harm at all," Ms Hutchison said.

Tasmanian lawyer Stephen Estcourt, QC, undertakes pro bono work and said he did more than $200,000 worth last year.

"I have a very keen sense of justice and if I find that somebody has a case but can't obtain representation then I'm the first to put my hand up," Mr Estcourt said.

Another Tasmanian lawyer who does pro bono work, Greg Barns -- also a columnist with The Mercury -- said such work was part of a lawyer's ethical duty.

"Everyone is entitled to representation," Mr Barns said.

Law Society president Leanne Topfer said a lot of lawyers did pro bono work in Tasmania.

Lawyers would also, in cases where people did not have much money, discount their fees or work on a "no win, no fee" basis.

Tasmanian Bar Association president Catherine Rheinberger said pro bono work was an important aspect of the legal profession's contribution to the community.

Ms Rheinberger said it was usually embarked upon for the truly disadvantaged, novel matters of law or where there was a public interest.

"The Tasmanian Bar Association encourages all of its members to continue the work they currently undertake and/or to make themselves available for pro bono work," she said.