Directory
University of Nebraska College of Law
University of Nebraska College of Law
Law School Pro Bono Programs
Contact Information
Kala Mueller
Director of Public Interest & Pro Bono Initiatives
[email protected]
402-472-5130
Category Type
Formal Voluntary Pro Bono Program Characterized by a Referral System with a Coordinator
Description of Programs
The College of Law seeks to encourage and recognize volunteer legal service by law students enrolled in the College of Law. The College of Law promotes external and internal pro bono programs, recognizes and incentivizes pro bono work, and facilitates pro bono programming.
Location of Programs
Career Services office
Staffing/Management/Oversight
The pro bono program is administered by a pro bono committee comprised of faculty, administrators, and students. Pro bono staff members have other duties in the law school.
Funding
Secretarial support and funding is provided for student pro bono group projects. Research assistants and secretarial support is provided for faculty pro bono projects. Student groups may apply for funding to support a pro bono event or project.
Faculty and Administrative Pro Bono
Many faculty members licensed in Nebraska provide pro bono services as part of their service to the College. Faculty members often work with students on pro bono projects, and supervise student run pro bono-based organizations such as TAP, DDP, VITA, and CLEP.
Awards/Recognition
Students are encouraged to complete at least 50 hours of pro bono law-related services while enrolled at the College of Law. Students who complete at least 50 hours of qualified pro bono work while enrolled as a student at the College of Law will receive from the Dean at graduation a Pro Bono Certificate and a notation of this accomplishment will be made on the graduation program*. Students earning a Pro Bono Certificate will also be honored with pro bono cords at graduation. Moreover, students completing:
- 75 hours to 99 hours will receive a Pro Bono Certificate, Silver Level.
- 100 to 199 hours will receive a Pro Bono Certificate, Gold Level.
- 200 hours or more will receive a Pro Bono Certificate, Platinum Level.
The Pro Bono Certificate awarded will be reflected on the student’s official transcript.
Student Award for Outstanding Impact through Pro Bono Service
Each year a student may be presented with an award for his or her outstanding impact through pro bono service. The impact may be measured by reviewing a single act or project, or multiple acts or projects performed by the student during his or her enrollment at the College of Law. Criteria to be considered may include, but is not limited to: total pro bono hours, record of pro bono work performed, and the overall impact the pro bono work has had on a community or underserved population.
Nominations for the award will be solicited and accepted by March 31 of each year. Upper-class students at the College of Law are eligible for nomination for the award. Nominations may be accepted from students, faculty, administration and staff, or by self-nomination. Nominations should include a detailed description of the pro bono work completed by the student nominated, including a description of the impact the work has had on a community or underserved population.
The Pro Bono Committee will review nominations and vote to select the recipient of the award. An announcement will be made shortly thereafter. In the event of a tie, or where two students are determined to be equally deserving of the award, the Committee may select two recipients for the award. The award will be reflected on the student’s official transcript.
Alternative Winter or Spring Break Projects
None.
Law School Public Interest Programs
Contact Information
Kala Mueller
Director of Public Interest Programs
402.472.5130
[email protected]
Certificate/Curriculum Programs
https://law.unl.edu/individualized/
Public Interest Centers
None.
PI Career Support Center
Provides career counseling and employment information on public interest careers. The Career Development Office hosts an annual government and public interest fair, a Justice Jam event where public interest attorneys share why they fight for justice, and a Pro Bono Summit.
Loan Repayment Assistance Programs (LRAP)
None.
Fellowships
None.
06/26/2024