Student Responsibilities
Selecting a ProjectStudents should view the pro bono requirement as not only an opportunity to provide valuable legal assistance to the community, but also as a way to explore their career interests, improve their legal skills, and interact with potential future contacts. Students should make sure that their pro bono project is a “good fit.”
Initial Meeting
The student is responsible for contacting the Supervisor prior to the beginning of the placement to discuss the project, the Supervisor’s expectations, the hours required and the work schedule.
Professionalism
The student should perform all work in a timely and professional manner. If the student is unable to complete the work in a satisfactory manner, s/he should immediately inform the Supervisor and the Pro Bono Program Director.
Confidentiality
The student will maintain confidentiality for all work done on client cases. The work should not be discussed with anyone other than the Supervisor.
Satisfactory Performance
If the student does not complete the project to the satisfaction of the Supervisor, the hours worked will not count toward the 40-hour pro bono requirement. Difficulties in meeting this requirement should be brought to the attention of the Pro Bono Program Director as soon as the student encounters the problem.
Submission of Paperwork
The student is responsible for ensuring that all paperwork is complete and received by the Pro Bono Director by the appropriate deadlines.
Appeal Rights
A decision by the Pro Bono Program Director to deny credit for work done by a student in fulfillment of the pro bono requirement may be appealed to the Associate Dean of Administration and Students.
PROCESS FOR FULFILLING THE PRO BONO REQUIREMENT
1. Attend the mandatory orientation meeting in the spring of first year.
2. Select an organization from the List of Preapproved Pro Bono Placements. Call the contact person at the organization to inquire if s/he is interested in setting up an appointment to discuss possible projects, requirements and schedules. When you have the placement secure, notify the Pro Bono Program Director of your intentions.
OR
Initiate your own pro bono project at an organization not listed. Submit the Preapproval for Student-Initiated Pro Bono Project Form to the Pro Bono Program Director before you begin work. Credit for the pro bono requirement will not be given to student-initiated projects without preapproval.
3. If you are unsure about how to choose a pro bono project, set up an advising appointment with the Pro Bono Program Director by calling 208.602.4997 (cell) or contact by e-mail: jmcmahon@uidaho.edu or johnmcmahon@cableone.net.
4. During your first meeting with your Supervisor, clarify the Supervisor’s expectations for the project and all applicable deadlines.
5. Keep a Log of Hours as you work on the project. Include ALL hours that you have worked, not just the required 40 hours. Use the form on this site.
6. Upon completion of your pro bono project, complete the Student Evaluation and have your Supervisor complete the Supervisor Evaluation.
7. Submit the Log of Hours, Student Evaluation, and Supervisor Evaluation to the Pro Bono Services Director within ten days of completion of your project. If the work is done in summer, the paperwork may be turned in upon return to campus in August. (Supervisors may choose to send their evaluation directly to the Program Director.)
8. Once these forms are submitted, you will receive a letter of confirmation from the Pro Bono Program Director that you have received credit for your pro bono service requirement.