Directory
Suffolk University Law School
Suffolk University Law School
Law School Pro Bono Programs
Contact Information
Toni A. Machowsky, Esq.
Assistant Director of Public Service Advising and Pro Bono Programs
[email protected]
617.573.8094
Category Type
Formal Voluntary Pro Bono Program - Referral System with a Coordinator
Description of Programs
Through its voluntary Pro Bono Program, Suffolk University Law School seeks to foster in every member of the law school community a moral and professional obligation to ensure access to justice for all citizens. In furtherance of this goal, Suffolk Law School challenges all incoming law students to complete at least 50 hours of law-related volunteer work before they graduate. The Pro Bono Program at Suffolk Law School defines "pro bono work" for students in accordance with the ABA's Model Rule 6.1, which defines pro bono broadly, to include providing legal services to those unable to pay, as well as activities for "improving the law, the legal system or the legal profession." To count as pro bono, students may not receive pay or credit for their work. In addition, students must be supervised by an attorney and Suffolk Law students may not use Massachusetts Student Practice Rule 3:03 certification to perform pro bono work. All students who meet or exceed the 50-hour goal will receive recognition for their pro bono service. Pro Bono opportunities are solicited, centralized, and promoted to law students through the Program's website, weekly e-letters, presentations at orientation, and an Pro Bono Fair in coordination with Boston Bar Association. The Director of Pro Bono Programs facilitates student pro bono work through individual counseling and online matching of volunteers with appropriate placements. Students may choose pro bono work from a wide array of issue areas, as posted by the Program, or they may initiate their own projects with the assistance and approval of the Director.
Location of Programs
Career Services office.
Staffing/Management/Oversight
The Pro Bono Program is administered by the Office of Professional and Career Development.
Funding
The Pro Bono Program is funded through the law school's operating budget.
Faculty and Administrative Pro Bono
Awards/Recognition
All students who meet or exceed their pro bono pledge goal before graduation will receive recognition for their efforts: 50 hours of pro bono work: Notation "Pro Bono Honors" on academic transcript. 75 hours of pro bono work: Notation “Pro Bono Honors” on academic transcript and recognition of Pro Bono Honors at commencement. 100 hours or more of pro bono work accumulated at time of graduation: Notation “Pro Bono Honors” on academic transcript, recognition of Pro Bono Honors at commencement, and Pro Bono Certificate presented with diploma at commencement. In addition, each year one Day Division student and one Evening Division student who have performed exemplary pro bono service while in law school will be selected to receive special recognition at the annual Awards Ceremony during graduation weekend.
Alternative Winter or Spring Break Projects
The Massachusetts law schools team up to place students in various legal services positions in Massachusetts for Spring Break 2024. The Pro Bono Spring Break projects involve everything from assisting pro se litigants at courthouses to conducting legal research on medical debt to preparing curriculum for civic education. Some placements are fully remote, some are hybrid, and some in-person and the minimum commitment time varies.
Law School Public Interest Programs
Contact Information
Toni A. Machowsky, Esq.
Assistant Director for Public Service Advising and Pro Bono Programs
[email protected]
617.573.8094
Certificate/Curriculum Programs
None.
Public Interest Centers
None.
PI Career Support Center
Experienced, dedicated attorneys in the Office of Professional & Career Development work closely with students to identify both summer and post-graduate employment opportunities that best match their interests. Resources include: Career development programs and informational sessions relating to public service opportunities One-on-one career counseling and advising services Guidance regarding fellowship opportunities Connections to the extensive network of Suffolk Law alumni involved in public service Weekly e-newsletters with public service employment, programming, and resource information Suffolk Law School also participates annually in two Government and Public Interest Recruitment Programs organized through the Massachusetts Law School Consortium. These virtual job fairs provide an excellent opportunity for Suffolk Law students to interview with federal, state and local government agencies, as well as nonprofit organizations for summer internships and post-graduate employment.
Loan Repayment Assistance Programs (LRAP)
None.
Fellowships
https://www.suffolk.edu/law/careers/gain-experience/post-graduate-fellowships-scholarships Fenton Awards - The John E. Fenton, Jr. Public Service Awards were created to honor Judge Fenton's 45 year legacy of teaching and leadership at Suffolk University Law School. The award is given annually to students pursuing public interest careers. Awards are given to graduating students contingent upon the recipient obtaining employment with a qualifying public service employer within one year of graduation. A separate application for this award is required during the academic year. SPILG Summer Fellowships The Summer Public Service Fellowship Program, sponsored by the student-run Suffolk Public Interest Law Group (SPILG), awards summer fellowships for students working in otherwise unpaid summer internships with government agencies and public interest groups. Thomas J. Drinan Memorial Fellowship Established by family and friends in memory of Thomas J. Drinan, JD '76, this fellowship is awarded annually to fund the ten-week summer internship of a Suffolk University Law School student who has demonstrated a desire to work in a Massachusetts public office engaged in the prosecution or defense of criminal cases. Paul R. McLaughlin Memorial Fellowship Fund Established by friends and family in memory of Paul R. McLaughlin, JD '81, this fellowship is awarded annually to fund the summer internship of a Suffolk University Law School student who has a demonstrated desire to pursue a career in criminal law in the public sector.
07/02/2024