Pro Bono Requirement
Pro Bono Program Mission Statement
The Pro Bono Program seeks to develop students’ commitments to pro bono service and expose students to public sector careers. Performing pro bono service is also a means for students to gain practical legal experience and build professional networks. The Career Services Office encourages students to perform their Pro Bono Program service hours at organizations that fit their individual interests and career goals.
Pro Bono Program Graduation Requirement
The Pro Bono Program requires all students to complete at least 30 hours of pro bono service in order to graduate. Students must obtain approval of their Pro Bono Program placements from Leslie Becker Wilson, the Director of the Career Services Office, prior to starting to earn their service hours. Once their Pro Bono Program service hours are completed, students must submit a completed ‘Pledge and Hour Log Form’ to the Career Services Office for their hours to be verified. Students must perform 30 hours of pro bono service no later than (i) August 15 of the year prior to graduation if you are graduating in January; (ii) January 15 of the year of graduation if you are graduating in May; and (iii) May 15 of the year of graduation if you are graduating in August.
Pro Bono Program Placement Criteria
- The student will be performing legal or law-related work;
- The student’s work will be performed under the supervision of a licensed attorney;
- The supervising attorney performing the work is employed by the government, a nonprofit, or as private practitioner rendering legal services on a pro bono basis for which payment is neither sought nor expected; and
- The student will not receive payment or academic credit for the work performed.
NOTE: Students may accrue their 30 hours over a period of months and from different organizations if they choose.
Pro Bono Program Resources to Find Placements
Pro Bono Program Hours Beyond the 30 Required
The law school recognizes students who perform pro bono service that significantly exceeds the required 30 hours by giving the following awards at graduation: the “Servant of Justice Award” for performing 100 hours, and the “Leader for Justice Award” for performing 200 or more hours.