**THIS IS NOT A PROGRAM AVAILABLE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND IT IS NOT A PRO BONO LEGAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. THIS IS A DISTINCTION FOR CURRENT KING HALL LAW STUDENTS - IT DOES NOT OFFER CONSULTATION OR REPRESENTATION ON LEGAL MATTERS.**
The Pro Bono Distinction is designed to enhance the educational process for King Hall students. Pro bono work is volunteer legal work performed without compensation or academic credit and under the supervision of an attorney. Students can volunteer in public interest organizations, government agencies or courts.
Whether students aspire for a career in the public or private sector, providing pro bono service will enhance their legal education. In addition to assisting public service organizations meet their needs, volunteering offers students opportunities to interact with attorneys and gain practical legal work experience. Upon completion of the requisite pro bono hours, students receive a certificate and transcript notation.
Eligibility & Enrollment
King Hall students who have completed at least one semester of law school are eligible to apply.
Distinction Requirements
To receive a distinction, students must provide 50 or more hours of pro bono legal work with a non-profit organization, government agency, or court. To qualify:
- The work must be professional legal work, performed under the supervision of an attorney or member of the Law School Faculty.
- The work must be volunteer. This means:
- You were not paid for the work (this includes receiving a UCOP Fellowship or other fellowship for the work)
- You did not receive school credit for the work (eg. clinics or externships). Please note: 1L participation in the Workers Rights' Clinic does qualify as you do not receive credit or pay.
- Up to ten hours training time may count toward the 50 hours of service. Transportation time may not be counted.
Volunteer legal work may be counted toward both the Pro Bono and the Public Service Law Distinction requirements.
THE COMMITMENT TO CONFIRMED EMPLOYMENT OR VOLUNTEER WORK IS A SERIOUS ONE.
Students are expected to perform all assignments in a professionally reasonable manner and in accordance with the American Bar Association Model Rules and California Rules of Professional Conduct. With respect to competence and diligence, students must prepare thoroughly, avoid procrastination, avoid undue delay, and avoid undue emphasis on personal convenience. Further, students must carry an assigned matter through to conclusion.
It is the responsibility of the student to read the most up to date versions of the ABA Model Rules and California Rules of Professional Conduct. The ABA Rule 1.1, requiring competence; Rule 1.3, requiring diligence; and Rule 1.6, requiring confidentiality, are especially important.
Form
Please submit the form once your 50 hours are complete. To receive the Pro Bono Distinction, please submit the form no later than March 1 of your third year.
Foundation Courses
No course(s) required.
Elective Courses
No course(s) required.