Students in the Pro Bono Scholars Program spend their final semester of law school engaged in full-time representation of poor and underserved communities. Participants in the program gain valuable lawyering skills while assisting individuals who cannot afford legal representation. From March through May, Pro Bono Scholars provide full-time pro bono service through a partnership with a pre-approved legal services provider, law firm or corporation. Pro Bono Scholars also participate in a seminar in which they explore issues around access to justice and the provision of legal services to poor and underserved communities. During January and February, students devote themselves to full-time study in preparation for the February administration of the New York Bar Examination. Pro Bono Scholars receive a total of 14 credits for the program: 3 seminar credits are graded and 11 field credits receive a pass/fail grade. This course is open to third-year students only and registration is binding. Completion of an application process and permission of the professor is required.

Students accepted into the program must register to take the February administration of the New York Bar Examination in their final semester and successfully complete New York Law in National Perspective during their fifth semester.

Recommended for the following Professional Pathways: Civil Rights/Civil Liberties; Criminal Defense; Criminal Prosecution; Family Law; Government/Public Sector; Immigration; International Law/Human Rights; Labor and Employment; General Practice – Litigation/Dispute Resolution; General Practice – Transactional

Approved for the Experiential Learning Requirement. Registration is binding.

14 Credits