Law students contribute over 60 thousand pro bono hours
Santa Clara University School of Law students demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to service during the 2024-2025 academic year, contributing a total of 60,932 pro bono hours across all J.D. class years. This spirit of advocacy is particularly evident in the graduating Class of 2025, who dedicated 45,733 hours to the community over the course of their three-year legal education. These milestones were made possible through the leadership of Professor Evangeline Abriel, with the assistance of dedicated faculty and staff. Furthermore, these numbers are a testament to Santa Clara Law students' dedication to using their legal education as a tool for justice and community outreach.
Santa Clara Law's culture of service is also showcased during the annual Pro Bono Week, which offers students many opportunities to engage with local and global issues. Students can participate in human rights advocacy through the Amnesty International Write for Rights event or support local housing initiatives by creating hygiene kits with HomeFirst SCC. Other impactful projects include assembling toiletry bags for St. Vincent de Paul shelters, making blankets for Project Linus, and writing uplifting letters to seniors. From supporting relief efforts in Sudan to participating in community conversations on immigration issues, these initiatives allow students to apply their legal knowledge to real-world needs.
This dedication to pro bono service is rooted in Santa Clara University’s Jesuit values, specifically the call to be men and women “for and with others.” By using their skills to protect the vulnerable and ensure the legal system remains accessible to all, students embody the principles of competence, conscience, and compassion. These 60,932 hours are not just a statistic, but further are a reflection of a community committed to social justice and the common good.