Pro Bono Placement Project General Information

SPRING 2012 PRO BONO PLACEMENT PROJECT SIGN UPS ARE NOW CLOSED AND ALL POSITIONS HAVE BEEN FILLED

What is the Pro Bono Placement Project?
“Pro Bono Placements” is an initiative sponsored by Public Interest Law Career Services (PILCS) and the Center for Social Justice and Public Service (CSJ) to assist students with identifying and securing volunteer positions during the academic year. Volunteer hours count towards the Pro Bono Recognition Program.

How many hours are required to volunteer at a Pro Bono Placement?
The volunteer placements are typically for one semester; however, organizations and students may agree to extend the placement for a longer period. There is a minimum commitment of one semester for 3-10 hours per week as determined by you and the organization. Some placements are only available for 2L and above so read the descriptions carefully. Students will be required to sign a pledge agreement reflecting the agreed upon volunteer commitment.

I want to volunteer but don’t know where yet?
CSJ and PILCS identify volunteer placement positions every semester and work to connect organizations searching for volunteers with law students who are interested in volunteering. PILCS and CSJ cannot guarantee a placement for every student. However,  PILCS is available for one-on-one career counseling sessions to assist you in your individual volunteer searches if you missed the opportunity to sign up for a placement or did not receive a placement this semester.

When do the volunteer opportunities begin?
Fall Semester

Students will begin volunteer hours in late-August, depending on the arrangement with the organization. Students will volunteer through mid-November.

Spring Semester

Students will begin volunteer hours in late-January, depending on the arrangement with the organization. Students will volunteer through mid-April.

I am interested – How do I sign up?
The Sign-Up process will occur within the first 2 weeks of each school semester.  Be on the look out for emails and other information about these sign ups.  Please sign-up early as openings will not last long. Placements are first come, first served. We will place additional students on a “waiting list” in the event a placement becomes available.

Past and Present Placements:
Asian Law Alliance
Bay Area Legal Aid, San Mateo County
Bay Area Legal Aid, Santa Clara County
Catholic Charities
Community Legal Services of East Palo Alto
Fair Housing Law Project

Health Legal Services

Pro Bono Project of Silicon Valley

Public Interest Law Foundation
Santa Cruz District Attorney’s Office
Senior Adult Legal Assistance (SALA)

Silicon Valley Americans for Safe Access

Superior Court of San Mateo, Appropriate Dispute Resolution

Superior Court of San Mateo, Family Law Facilitator's Office

For more information about the Pro Bono Placement Project please email: pilcs@scu.edu