Directory
Boston College Law School
Boston College Law School
Law School Pro Bono Programs
Contact Information
Michelle Grossfield
Public Interest and Pro Bono Program Director
P: (617) 552-4345
E-mail
Category Type
Formal Voluntary Pro Bono Program Characterized by a Referral System with a Coordinator
Description of Programs
The voluntary Pro Bono Program centralizes pro bono activities at BC Law, connects students with pro bono placements, encourages students to explore pro bono opportunities, and provides much deserved recognition for those students serving the community through pro bono work. The mission of the Pro Bono Program is to shape law students into lawyers who are committed to public service. The objectives of the Program are to: 1) Benefit Boston College Law School by supporting the School's mission and Jesuit tradition, and appealing to prospective students interested in public service; 2) Benefit BC Law students by providing opportunities to gain hands-on experience, develop critical lawyering skills, build relationships in agencies and firms, gain exposure to various areas of law, and develop a greater understanding of the importance of pro bono work and public service; 3) Benefit lawyers and public service agencies by providing them with the opportunity to mentor law students, as well as assistance with their pro bono work and public service; and 4) Benefit the community by providing legal assistance to disadvantaged individuals unable to access adequate legal representation. The Program works to achieve these objectives by: 1) Providing students with pro bono opportunities and helping facilitate their seeking placements; 2) Providing recognition for students who perform pro bono work; and 3) Providing on-campus events, such as pro bono fairs and speakers, to promote pro bono work.
Location of Programs
Office of Career Services
Staffing/Management/Oversight
In addition to supervising pro bono, the director also leads government and public interest career advising and programming, employer outreach, and advises public interest student organizations. Other duties include leading the review and selection process for Public Service Scholarships, post graduate public service fellowships, LRAP, and summer stipends and Co-chairs the Public Service Committee.
Funding
Funding for the Pro Bono Program comes from Boston College Law School's general operating budget.
Faculty and Administrative Pro Bono
Some faculty and administrators independently perform pro bono work.
Awards/Recognition
We believe that students who demonstrate a commitment to pro bono work should be recognized for their efforts. The following levels of recognition are provided for students who fulfill their pro bono pledges:
1) 50 hours of pro bono work accumulated at time of graduation
Letter from Dean of BC Law School
2) 75 hours of pro bono work accumulated at time of graduation
Letter from Dean of BC Law School
Recognition for "Pro Bono Distinction" at awards ceremony during graduation weekend
3) 100 hours of pro bono work accumulated at time of graduation
Letter from Dean of BC Law School
Recognition for "Pro Bono Excellence" at awards ceremony during graduation weekend
Special recognition at graduation
Alternative Winter or Spring Break Projects
Yes. Boston College has Pro Bono Immersion Trips.
Law School Public Interest Programs
Contact Information
Michelle Grossfield
Public Interest and Pro Bono Program Director
P: (617) 552-4345
E-mail
Certificate/Curriculum Programs
https://www.bc.edu/content/bc-web/schools/law/centers/pips
Public Interest Centers
None.
PI Career Support Center
The Office of Career Services staffs a full-time public interest career advisor.
Loan Repayment Assistance Programs (LRAP)
The Boston College Law School Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) supports recent BC Law graduates in law-related public interest careers by assisting them in the repayment of their educational debt.
Fellowships
https://www.bc.edu/content/bc-web/schools/law/centers/pips
https://www.bc.edu/content/bc-web/schools/law/centers/pips#tab-pilf
8/3/2023