Law School Pro Bono Toolkit

Pro Bono is Fundamental

Pro bono work is fundamental to the practice of law and reminds us that, at its very core, the law is a tool for justice, fairness, and equality.

"Pro bono work is fundamental to the practice of law and reminds us that, at its very core, the law is a tool for justice, fairness, and equality. I have, and will continue, to make pro bono work a significant part of my practice of law."

Megane Messier, George Washington University College of Law

2022 Graduate

Opportunity to Serve

The pro bono community I found during law school became a place of comfort and opportunity during my time at Richmond Law.

I was blessed to grow up in a family that valued service, and my passion for service has continued to grow throughout law school. The pro bono community I found during law school became a place of comfort and opportunity during my time at Richmond Law. The community provided a place where I felt valued for the work I could provide and the experiences were humbling as I was able to use my legal education to serve those who lacked access to legal services.

Charmaine Nyman, University of Richmond School of Law

J.D. Candidate, Class of 2022

Increasing Access to Justice

Not only has pro bono work fulfilled my passion for helping others and developed my legal skills across a myriad of practice areas, but it moves us one step closer to increasing access to justice for all Americans.

"As (future) lawyers, we have the opportunity to uniquely serve our communities. With this privilege, however, comes the understanding that, for many, legal services are too costly or otherwise inaccessible. By giving my time to pro bono work, I can do my part to assist and value those traditionally underserved communities. Not only has such work fulfilled my passion for helping others and developed my legal skills across a myriad of practice areas, but it moves us one step closer towards increasing access to justice for all Americans."

Georgia Zacest, University of Oregon School of Law

J.D. Candidate, 2023

Fairer Outcomes

The assistance of legal counsel is often what makes the difference between experiencing near-immediate homelessness and maintaining consistent housing for clients and their families.

"Over the last several months I have assisted folks facing eviction through the Tenant Assistance Project (TAP) on a pro bono basis. In this time, I have seen firsthand that, for struggling tenants, the assistance of legal counsel is often what makes the difference between experiencing near-immediate homelessness and maintaining consistent housing for themselves and their families. TAP's volunteers work to prevent the miscarriage of justice in judicial eviction proceedings by reviewing pleadings for legal deficiencies, effectively negotiating with landlord attorneys, and even arguing the merits of these actions. My participation in TAP has resulted in fairer outcomes for dozens of individuals facing eviction. This work is not only important for tenants who face the possibility of losing their homes and, as a result, their employment, physical safety, and psychological wellbeing-it supports the health of our community at large."

Deena Keilany, University of Nebraska College of Law

Building Skills

Pro bono gives me the opportunity to utilize what I've learned in law school to give back to a community in need.

"Pro bono gives me the opportunity to utilize what I’ve learned in law school to give back to a community in need. The clients we serve in Milwaukee have expressed their gratitude numerous times in the past two years I’ve worked at the clinic. Working alongside the attorneys has allowed me to sharpen my interviewing skills, issue spotting, and general communication skills with clients. Participating in pro bono has been one of the best decisions I have made in law school."

Nolan Heck, Marquette University Law School

J.D. Candidate 2023

Becoming a Better Lawyer

The pro bono work I have done has been a wonderful experience and I can't imagine going through law school, or the rest of my career for that matter, without it.

“Being able to do pro-bono work while at law school has helped me to learn the relationship aspect of being a lawyer by interacting directly with clients. This no doubt has helped me to become a better lawyer, but more importantly has offered people who normally wouldn’t be able to seek legal assistance a chance to have it. The pro bono work I have done has been a wonderful experience and I can’t imagine going through law school, or the rest of my career for that matter, without it.”

Martin Arroyo Jr., University of Arkansas School of Law

Graduate