In 2012 New York became the first U.S. jurisdiction to require pro bono service as a condition to become licensed for law practice. As New York’s “50-hour Rule” has evolved from proposal to policy, other states are formally considering related requirements that tie pro bono to law licensing.
The ABA Standing Committee on Pro Bono & Public Service has issued a detailed analysis tracking the 50-hour Rule’s history, exploring potential benefits and drawbacks of pre-admission pro bono requirements, and highlighting the 50-hour Rule’s impact outside of New York.
The below table is our tracking of state-level activity. Please send questions or updates to April Faith-Slaker.
STATE | POLICY STATUS (February, 2014) | DATE IMPLEMENTED | POLICY SUMMARY | SUPPLEMENTAL RESOURCES |
California | Under consideration by State Bar Task Force on Admissions Regulation Reform (TFARR). | N/A | 50 pro bono hours (pre- or post -admission) “devoted to pro bono or modest means clients.” | |
Connecticut | No current action. Judicial Branch declined proposal to create exploratory task force. | N/A | N/A | Report/proposal to Judicial Branch |
Montana | Under consideration. Supreme Court reviewing proposal. Public comment open thru Feb. 2014. | N/A | Proposal by state Access to Justice Commission would require pro bono reports with bar applications, but not pro bono service. | |
New Jersey | Under consideration. Supreme Court considering Working Group proposal. State Bar opposes. | N/A | “Working Group proposes adopting a preadmission pro bono requirement for applicants for a…license.” | Working Group Report (April 2013) NJ State Bar resolution opposing pre-admission pro bono req. (Feb. 2013) |
New York | Implemented. NY Court of Appeals Rules for Attorney Admission § 520.16(a). | September 2012 (but first effective for all bar admittees on/after 1/1/15). | 50 hours of qualifying pro bono service prior to filing application for bar admission. | ABA Pro Bono Committee Analysis Paper |
