Pro Bono Recognition Program

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:

 Complete at least 50 hours of not-for-credit or not-for-compensation work during the May 1, 2011 to April 30, 2012 time period.

Complete the Work Verification Form by March 23, 2012 at 5 p.m. certifying the completion of at least 50 hours of work through April 30, 2012 to the PILCS office.

(Optional): Confirmation by a PILCS Career Counselor that the pro bono activities qualify. 

Summary of Program Eligibility

In order to qualify under the Pro Bono Recognition Program, pro bono activities:

Must represent/assist person(s) of limited financial means, or person(s) with limited access to legal representation

Do not have to be legal services and include assisting nonprofit, civic, community, religious, or governmental organizations

Must be supervised by an attorney, political leader, community member, or faculty advisor

Must not be compensated or for credit

Must NOT be used to satisfy any other academic requirements (except for the Public Interest Social Justice Certificate Pro Bono Hours requirement)

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

Club leadership on campus

Attendance at any law-related symposiums, conferences, and panel discussions

Fundraising activities related to Santa Clara University student organizations

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

Nonprofit organizations

Governmental agencies and offices

Judicial clerkships (if not for credit)

Political or election-based organizing

Community education and mentorship programs and activities

Legal advice and referral clinics or hotlines

Translation or interpretation services

Volunteer work with churches and other community organizations

To ensure that your work qualifies, please speak to a PILCS Coordinator before submitting your application.

The following time may be included in the hours requirement:

Actual time volunteering with organization

Travel time in excess of 30 minutes in each direction

Training for pro bono activity

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

For a Work Verification Form, please click here.

For a sample work verification form, please click here.

Recognition

Award recipients will be invited to an informal lunch gathering to celebrate and mingle with other public interest–minded students. Award recipients will be formally recognized at the annual Public Interest & Social Justice Graduation.

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 recognizes 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 on the 2nd Floor of Bannan or fax to 408-554-5043 (attn: PILCS).

2011-12 WORK VERIFICATION FORMS ARE DUE March 23, 2012 BY 5PM