Frequently Asked Questions

What type of work qualifies for the pro bono graduation requirement?

• Work must be law-related. This includes client and witness interviewing; preparation for and assistance with trial; drafting legal documents; legislative drafting, analysis and policy interpretation; involvement in administrative rule-making; legal research and writing. Clerical work is appropriate only to the extent needed to carry out the overall legal task.
• Work must be uncompensated. Students may not receive monetary compensation, academic credit or other tangible benefits for work performed.
• Work must be adequately supervised. Ultimately, an attorney must be responsible for the student’s work, and the student must be directly supervised on a day-to-day basis by an attorney or lay person with expertise in the relevant subject matter area.

When can students begin working toward the requirement?
Students may fulfill the requirement at any time after completing the first semester of law school.

When must students complete the requirement?
Students must complete the requirement and submit all paperwork by the start of the sixth semester of law school. (For 2009 graduates, the deadline is January 16, 2009.)

Can students initiate their own pro bono projects?
Yes. Students are encouraged to design pro bono projects that best suit their particular interests. Students initiating their own projects must receive preapproval from the Pro Bono Program Director prior to starting work. Students will not receive credit for a self-initiated project without preapproval.

Does clinic work count for pro bono credit?
It depends. Course work for which credit is received -- such as Clinic -- does not count toward satisfaction of the pro bono requirement. However, work done beyond the course requirements may count. In order to receive credit toward the pro bono requirement, the clinic supervisor must certify that the work done was above and beyond the basic requirements for academic credit.
Second-year students may fulfill the pro bono requirement by assisting third-year students in the Clinic. This is an excellent way to test whether the student may wish to enroll in Clinic during third year.

Does externship work count for pro bono credit?
Work done at the externship site after completing the academic requirement counts for pro bono credit. Indeed, this is an excellent way to meet the graduation requirement.
NOTE: Judicial clerkships do not qualify for pro bono credit. Exceptions to this restriction may be granted if the student is providing direct assistance to the needy, rather than research for the judge. See the Pro Bono Director if you wish to claim credit for such work.

Does law firm pro bono work count?
Yes, if the entire forty hours is uncompensated and if all work is done on a project that falls within the parameters of Model Rule of Professional Responsibility 6.1. Students may work an additional unpaid 40 hours after completing a paid summer internship.

Does work as a research assistant to a faculty member count?
Yes, if the work is being done by the faculty member on a pro bono basis. The work may not be strictly academic (e.g. working on a faculty book or article).

May students do more than 40 hours?
Students are encouraged to do more than 40 hours. Students should inform the Pro Bono Program Director of all pro bono work done so that recognition may be given to efforts above and beyond the requirement. Graduation recognition will be given to students who perform 80 or 120 hours of pro bono work.

May students work together on a project?
Yes. As a practical matter, the placement site will benefit if students provide more than 40 hours of service. Students are encouraged to work as a team with other students so that service can be provided all semester/year, or so that more sizable projects can be undertaken.

May students work at more than one placement?
It is generally best if students do their 40 hours at one placement. However, students may use their discretion and divide their time at more than one placement, if necessary. Students working at more than one placement must fill out the paperwork for each placement separately.

Does training time count toward the requirement?
Training hours count toward fulfillment of the requirement. The training must be in the area of service. The training hours counted may not exceed the number of hours of direct service provided.