Directory
Brigham Young University J. Reuben Clark Law School
Brigham Young University
Law School Pro Bono Programs
Contact Information
Barbara Melendez Rapp
Director of Belonging, Achievement, and Impact
[email protected]
(801) 422-8102
Category Type
Formal Voluntary Program Characterized by Administrative Support for in-house and Collaborative Student Group Projects.
Description of Programs
The BYU Law Pro Bono Program, in alignment with ABA guidelines, provides students with opportunities to serve a variety of organizations and communities. The program focuses on offering legal assistance to individuals and groups who cannot afford legal services, as well as supporting charitable, religious, civic, community, governmental, and educational organizations. These efforts primarily address the needs of underserved and marginalized communities, such as low-income individuals, immigrants, and the unrepresented. Students contribute by working with nonprofit organizations, public interest law firms, legal clinics, governmental offices, and law firms that offer reduced-fee services. The program also encourages participation in legal activities that improve the law and legal profession, such as serving on bar association committees or working groups aimed at reform. BYU Law students who participate in the Pro Bono Program are invited to sign the Pro Bono Pledge, committing to complete at least 50 hours of legal service before graduation. In return for their service, students are recognized based on the number of hours they complete: Pro Bono Service Recognition: For completing 50 hours, students are honored in the graduation program. Pro Bono Honors: Students who complete between 50 and 100 hours receive a Certificate of Pro Bono Honors and a notation in the graduation program. Pro Bono High Honors: Students who complete more than 100 hours are awarded a Certificate of Pro Bono High Honors, plaque and special recognition in the program. By serving these communities and organizations, students not only develop professional legal skills but also demonstrate their commitment to justice, mercy, and dignity, fulfilling BYU Law's mission of fostering a lifelong service-oriented mindset.
Program Location
Student affairs
Staffing/Management/Oversight
Supervising pro bono is a dedicated staff position.
Funding
Law school operating budget
Faculty and Administrative Pro Bono
Yes
Awards/Recognition
The law school gives Distinguished Service Awards to recognize outstanding public interest, community, and pro bono service by students and faculty.
The Utah Bar Foundation also gives one or more Public Interest Awards on an annual basis to deserving law students.
The law school's student-run Public Interest Law Foundation gives three annual awards (one to a 1L, one to a 2L, one to a 3L) for public interest involvement.
The law school also gives a Public Service Award to each third year student that completes 50 hours of pro bono work during their time in law school.
Alternative Winter or Spring Break Projects
None.
Law School Public Interest Programs
Contact Information
Barbara Melendez
Director of Belonging, Achievement, and Impact
P: (801) 422-8102
[email protected]
Certificate/Curriculum Programs
https://law.byu.edu/explore/resources/centers-clinics#0.1
Public Interest Centers
None listed.
Public Interest Career Support
Public Interest law counseling
Loan Repayment Assistance Programs (LRAP)
BYU administers an interest forgiveness/deferral program for students who experience financial hardship. This program applies only to loans made from the law school and not to federal loans.
Fellowships
None.
10/28/2024