Careers

Pro Bono Recognition Program

*** NEW!!! Important changes to the Pro Bono Recognition Program effective May 1, 2007!

Some of the more significant changes include:

(1) Student leadership positions on campus will no longer count toward pro bono hours

(2) A tiered recognition approach will be implemented

(3) Individual recognition awards will be given out annually

(4) The pro bono guidelines implemented in the Recognition Program will mirror the pro bono requirements for the Public Interest Certificate

(5) Satisfying the requirements of the Recognition Program will also satisfy the Public Interest Certificate pro bono requirement

About

The Pro Bono Recognition Program, founded in 1990 by a group of law students, improves access to and understanding of the legal system among members of underrepresented groups, helps law students develop competence, conscience and compassion, and encourages students to become life-long volunteers, recognizing pro bono work as an integral part of a balanced lifestyle. The Pro Bono Recognition Program directs interested students towards general pro bono opportunities, facilitates a student-attorney network to provide students with individual pro bono projects, and recognizes students for their contributions to the community through pro bono work.

Program Requirements

The following steps are required to qualify:

  • Completion of at least 50 hours of not-for-credit or not-for-compensation work during the May 1, 2007 to April 30, 2008 time period.
  • Completion of the Work Verification Form, certifying the completion of at least 50 hours of work, due by 5 p.m. Thursday, April 3, 2008 to the PILCS office.
  • (Optional): Confirmation by a PILCS Career Counselor that the pro bono activities qualify.

Summary of Program Eligibility

For a complete description of the Recognition Program, please click here.

 

In order to qualify under the Pro Bono Recognition Program, eligible pro bono activities are defined as:

  1. representing/assisting person(s) of limited financial means, OR person(s) with limited access to legal representation and/or legal representation; OR assisting nonprofit, civic, community, religious, or governmental organizations; AND
  2. supervised by an attorney, political leader, community member or faculty advisor; AND
  3. uncompensated; AND
  4. not for credit; AND
  5. not used to satisfy any other academic requirements (including, but not limited to, the 25 hours required for the Public Interest Social Justice Certificate)

A few activities that will not qualify include, but are not limited to:

  1. club leadership on campus,
  2. attendance at any law-related symposiums, conferences, and panel discussions,
  3. fundraising activities related to Santa Clara University student organizations.

Examples of qualifying activities include, but are not limited to:

  1. work with nonprofit organizations
  2. work with governmental agencies and offices
  3. judicial clerkships (if not for credit)
  4. political or election-based organizing
  5. community education and mentorship programs and activities
  6. legal advice and referral clinics or hotlines
  7. provision of translation services
  8. volunteer work with churches and other community organizations

To ensure that your work qualifies, speak to a Public Interest Law Career Services (PILCS) Career Counselor in the Law Career Services Office in Loyola Hall.

The following time may be included in the hours requirement:

  1. actual time volunteering with organization,
  2. travel time in excess of 30 minutes in each directions,
  3. time spent training for pro bono activity.

Recognition

Award recipients will be invited to an informal lunch gathering to celebrate and mingle with other public interest-minded students. The lunch is tentatively scheduled for TBD, with further details to be announced. Award recipients will be formally recognized at the annual Public Interest & Social Justice Graduation. The event is scheduled for TBD. Please put this on your calendar and plan to attend!

 

Tiered Recognition

 

Bronze Recognition:  First year of recognition for performing 50 or more hours of pro bono service in one calendar year.

 

Silver Recognition: Second year of recognition for performing 50 or more hours of pro bono service in one calendar year and have achieved Bronze Recognition a previous year.

 

Gold Recognition: Third year of recognition for performing 50 or more hours of pro bono service in one calendar year and have achieved Silver Recognition a previous year.

 

Other Awards

 

Santa Clara University School of Law Pro Bono Graduating Student of the Year Award

 

Santa Clara University School of Law Pro Bono Student of the Year Award

How does this work with the Public Interest Certificate?

As of Fall 2007, the Public Interest Certificate will recognize receipt of the Pro Bono Recognition Program to satisfy the pro bono certificate requirement.

Pro Bono Opportunities

Click here for a list of pro bono opportunities.

Questions

Drop by the PILCS office located in the Law Career Services area in Loyola Hall, email pilcs@scu.edu, or call (408) 554-6930.

 

2007-2008 WORK VERIFICATION FORMS ARE DUE April 3, 2008 BY 5PM