Pro Bono Activities
To qualify for the Program, an activity must render meaningful service to a non-profit organization or person of limited means or enhance the capacity of an organization to do justice. If a student is providing direct legal assistance or advice, the work must be under the supervision of an attorney. However, legal work that can be performed by non-lawyers, but still requires some legal skills, i.e. mediation, legal advocacy or legal hotline assistance, does not require attorney supervision.
A student cannot receive any academic credit or monetary compensation for an activity performed during a pro bono externship will be qualified activity; however, only hours worked above the minimum required for the externship will count towards the Pro Bono Program. Work on behalf of a candidate for office, or for a political party, will not qualify as a pro bono activity. Any questions or disputes on whether an activity qualifies under the Program will be decided by the PBOE Director.
A list of the approved pro bono placements may be found on the “Approved Placement” page. The list is updated continually and is not exhaustive. Email announcements will be sent when opportunities arise that need immediate attention. Students are also encouraged to find or create their own pro bono opportunities. Students must contact the PBOE Director to confirm that the activity will qualify under the program.