Directory
University of Michigan Law School
University of Michigan Law School
Law School Pro Bono Programs
Contact Information
Amy Sankaran
Director of Externship and Pro Bono Programs
Clinical Assistant Professor of Law
[email protected]
(734) 764-7787
Category Type
Formal Voluntary Pro Bono Program Characterized by Administrative Support for Student Group Projects
Description of Programs
The University of Michigan Law School not only trains its students to be fine lawyers and advocates but also to be exemplary members of their communities. The goal of the University of Michigan Law School Voluntary Pro Bono Pledge is to encourage students to use their professional training to benefit the community, particularly underserved populations. The American Bar Association (ABA) Rule 6.1 states that "every lawyer has a professional responsibility to provide legal services to those unable to pay. A lawyer should aspire to render at least (50) hours of pro bono publico legal services per year." As such, the Pro Bono Pledge, which asks JD students to complete 50 hours of pro bono service during their time in law school (LLM students must complete 25 hours), is founded on the principle that attorneys have an ethical obligation to their communities, and with the knowledge that pro bono legal work provides students exposure to a range of important legal issues and invaluable experience that will shape their education.
Location of Programs
The University of Michigan’s Pro Bono Program is housed within our Experiential Learning Program.
Staffing/Management/Oversight
The Pro Bono Program is staffed by a Director with administrative support.The Director is also responsible for externships.
Funding
The Pro Bono Program is funded by the Law School. Student pro bono projects can seek funding directly from the Pro Bono Program each year.
Faculty and Administrative Pro Bono
Awards/Recognition
Each year, we award a Pro Bono Service Award to one or more outstanding 1Ls, 2Ls, 3Ls, and LLMs. We also award an annual Outstanding Pro Bono Project Award.
Students who complete the Voluntary Pro Bono Pledge attend an annual banquet in their honor, a certificate signed by the dean, and recognition in our graduation program.
Alternative Winter or Spring Break Projects
LAWBreaks, or Legal Alternative Winter Breaks, sends students to a variety of cities to do a variety of legal tasks each Winter Break. The program is jointly run by the Pro Bono Program and a student advisory board. The organizers convene each year to select placements and cities based on student interest. The costs of the trips are substantially borne by the Pro Bono Program, not the students.
Law School Public Interest Programs
Contact Information
Emily Bretz
Public Interest Director [email protected]
Certificate/Curriculum Programs
None.
Public Interest Centers
N/a
PI Career Support Center
Individualized and personal career assistance, counseling, and guidance for students interested in public interest careers. We do training sessions, alumni events, panels, and job fairs.
Loan Repayment Assistance Programs (LRAP)
https://michigan.law.umich.edu/resource-center/loan-repayment-programs
Fellowships
https://michigan.law.umich.edu/resource-center/michigan-law-victors-fellowship-public-interest-students
8/21/2024