Supervisor Responsibilities and Procedures

Initial Meeting

The supervisor should meet with the student at the outset of the project to discuss his/her expectations for the student, including how the project should be performed, hours required and the work schedule.

Supervisors are encouraged to complete a Pro Bono Agreement (pdf) with the student to identify the scope, expectations, and timeline for student pro bono work.

Training and Supervision

The supervisor is responsible for any necessary training and for continued oversight of the student’s work during the project.

• The supervisor must take particular care to avoid the student engaging in the unauthorized practice of law or any professional/ethical misconduct.
• Client Representation/Litigation: Law students must be under the supervision of a licensed attorney for all work involving direct client representation and litigation.
• Nonprofits: Students who do advocacy work on behalf of nonprofit organizations should be supervised by an advocate with expertise in the relevant subject matter. Students and student work should not be used as a substitute for consultation with legal counsel. (Students must obtain the program director’s specific prior approval to work for non-attorney supervisors.)
• Legislators/Policymakers: Student work with legislators and policymakers should be confined to research on policy and legislative matters. Student work should not be used as a substitute for consultation with legal counsel. (Students must obtain the program director’s specific prior approval to work for non-attorney supervisors.)

Compensation and Expenses

Students may not receive any compensation for their work while they are fulfilling their pro bono requirement. Sponsoring organizations, however, are expected to pay for any costs related to an assignment such as equipment, copying and materials. Additionally, the organization or supervisor may reimburse the student for reasonable and necessary out-of-pocket expenses incurred in performing the pro bono work.

Evaluation

The supervisor should complete and sign the one-page Supervisor’s Evaluation of the student within a reasonable time after completion of the project, preferably by the end of the semester or summer in which the work is being performed.

Request Student Pro Bono Assistance

If you are a licensed attorney working on a pro bono case or employed by a government or non-profit legal services provider, please complete the following form to request the assignment of a pro bono student.