Are free transcripts provided for pro bono cases?

Yes. For Appeals to the Appellate Division, see R.2:5-3(d): “If the appellant is indigent and is entitled to have a transcript of the proceedings below furnished without charge for use on appeal, either the trial or the appellate court on application, may order the transcript prepared at public expense.”

For Municipal Court Appeals to the Law Division, see R.3:23-8(a)(3) (emphasis added): “If the appellant, upon application to the court appealed to, is found to be indigent, the court may order the transcript of the proceedings below furnished at the county’s expense if the appeal involves violation of a statute and at the municipality’s expense if the appeal involves violation of an ordinance.”