Directory
University of Kansas School of Law
University of Kansas
Law School Pro Bono Programs
Contact Information
Meredith Schnug
Clinical Associate Professor
[email protected]
(785) 864-9291
Category Type
Formal Voluntary Pro Bono Program Characterized by a Referral System with a Coordinator.
Description of Programs
Building on the University of Kansas School of Law’s rich tradition of pro bono service, our formal Pro Bono Program was established in 2017. The program links students with opportunities for pro bono service and recognizes at graduation those who complete fifty hours of service during their law school tenure. The primary goal of the program is to encourage students’ commitment to pro bono service as part of their professional identity. Additionally, pro bono service provides students an opportunity to develop their lawyering skills through hands-on experience, while at the same time, providing valuable services to the community and promoting access to justice. The KU Pro Bono Program defines pro bono service as uncompensated, supervised, law-related work that benefits persons of limited means, not-for-profit organizations, individuals or groups seeking to promote access to justice, or government entities. The law school collaborates with community partners to offer various pro bono opportunities for students, but students and student organizations are also encouraged to identify their own service opportunities. Some examples of school-sponsored pro bono projects include the Volunteer Income Taxpayer Assistance program, expungement clinic, KU Court of Parking of Appeals, and guardianship assistance program.
Location of Programs
The pro bono program is a standalone program.
Staffing/Management/Oversight
The coordinator of the pro bono program promotes pro bono opportunities and maintains records of students' pro bono service.
Funding
The pro bono program is funded by the law school's operating budget.
Faculty and Administrative Pro Bono
None.
Awards/Recognition
Students who complete a minimum of 50 pro bono hours during their time in law school are recognized at graduation for achieving “Pro Bono Distinction.” Additionally, at the end of each school year, all students who complete 15 or more pro bono hours in the past year are listed on the Pro Bono Honor Roll. The school also nominates students who perform exceptional service for awards from other organizations.
Alternative Winter or Spring Break Pro Bono
None.
Law School Public Interest Programs
Contact Information
Kyle Velt
Social Justice Certificate Coordinator
Associate Professor of Law
[email protected]
(785) 864-3577
Certificate/Curriculum Programs
The University of Kansas School of Law has a robust clinical and field placement program and multiple opportunities for students to engage in public interest law. Many different faculty and staff work together to support students who plan to enter public interest law, so there is not just one individual in charge of public interest at the school. We also offer a Social Justice Certificate. The coordinator of the Social Justice Certificate is Kyle Velte, Associate Professor of Law.
Social Justice Certificate - https://law.ku.edu/academics/certificates/social-justice
Public Interest Centers
None
PI Career Support Center
The KU Law Career Services Office is dedicated to preparing our students for meaningful and successful careers, including careers in public interest law. In addition to career counseling and opportunities to connect with KU Law alumni, the CSO offers a wide range of professional development programming and training resources.
Loan Repayment Assistance Programs (LRAP)
None
Fellowships
None
8/2/2023