THE PRO BONO EXPERIENCE AT COLUMBIA LAW SCHOOL

Welcome to Columbia Law School, one of a select group of law schools nationwide that requires all JD students to undertake pro bono legal work during law school. Through implementation of this mandate, Columbia expresses its conviction that service  pro bono publico (“for the public good”) is a cornerstone of every attorney’s professional responsibilities. All students must perform at least 40 hours of law-related, uncompensated service in order to graduate. By doing pro bono legal work while in law school, students will prepare to join lawyers, in all practice areas, who provide free legal services to individuals and groups who cannot afford these services or whose needs are underrepresented. Through pro bono service, students have the opportunity to “give back” to their  communities, form bonds with other students, CLS grads, and others who are experts, supplement classroom learning about new areas of law practice, and broaden their understanding of how the justice system works -- and does not work. Students find that their pro bono service is among the most satisfying experiences they have at law school, whether they plan to work at a large or small law firm, a public interest organization, a government agency, or as a solo practitioner.

The "mandatory pro bono program," initiated by students and enthusiastically supported by Columbia administration and leadership, is non-ideological and continues to be shaped by student interests and needs as well as requests by public interest lawyers and organizations.  Social Justice Initiatives, working with Law School faculty, students, graduates, and public interest lawyers throughout the world, has developed a variety of In-House Projects and Spring Break Caravans and maintains a database of more than 1000 of other distinct placements that can meet the pro bono requirement. Students may also design and receive credit for pro bono projects that suit their individual interests. Current pro bono projects allow students to work with organizations in New York City, across the United States, and throughout the rest of the world, in an effort to make a meaningful contribution for people seeking access to justice, the rule of law, and affordable solutions to critical community concerns.

Most students perform more than the required 40 hours of service. By 2009, Columbia students had contributed about 398,000 hours of pro bono service since the inception of the requirement in 1993. In 2009 alone, students contributed more than 32,000 hours of pro bono service.  During these challenging economic times especially, there is no doubt about how valuable Columbia student assistance is to increasingly larger populations in our communities.

Students are encouraged to begin considering pro bono placement options during their first year at the Law School. Students are strongly encouraged to undertake more than one project to fulfill the requirement and are advised to complete at least half the required hours by the end of their 2L year. To get started, review the placements on-line and at the Social Justice Initiatives office and get in touch with the Pro Bono Program staff.