Enhancing legal education through commitment to community
The Pro Bono Program provides University of Wisconsin Law School students with opportunities to deliver law-related services to community members of limited financial means, or to otherwise advance the public interest. Students seek placements in nonprofit organizations, legal aid groups, the judiciary, and other organizations, where their pro bono work is performed under appropriate supervision.
Note to Members of the Public
We are unable to provide direct pro bono assistance. Our pro bono program operates by connecting students with non-profit organizations where they can perform work under the supervision of an attorney. If you are in need of legal assistance, please visit our Information for the Public page for non-profit and low-cost legal resources.
Guidelines for UW Law Student Pro Bono Opportunities
Pro bono activities must meet the following guidelines:
- Law-related: You must perform pro bono work that is related to the law, and either:
- supports community members of limited financial means, or
- otherwise advances the public interest or serves the public.
- Uncompensated: You must work in a volunteer capacity and may not receive any compensation, including stipends.
- No Academic Credit: Your work cannot be used to fulfill the requirements of a clinic or a directed study project, or to otherwise obtain academic credit.
- Supervision/Training: You must be trained and supervised by an attorney or other qualified supervisor.
Pro Bono Society
The Pro Bono Society was formed in September 2011 to recognize the outstanding efforts of law students engaged in pro bono during their tenure at UW Law School.
What is Pro Bono?
The term Pro Bono comes from the Latin pro bono publico, which means "for the public good."
The Pro Bono Program provides students with opportunities to deliver law-related services to community members of limited financial means, or to otherwise advance the public interest. In keeping with the law school's law-in-action tradition, students develop legal and professional skills, gain practical, hands-on experience in real work environments and explore their ethical responsibility to provide pro bono service.
History
The Pro Bono Program (formerly the University of Wisconsin Law School Pro Bono Partnership Project) began as a pilot project in 2007. Its basic structure involved pairing law students with local Dane County attorneys to provide legal assistance in civil matters to persons otherwise unable to secure legal representation.
The guidelines for UW's Pro Bono Program are adapted from ABA Model Rule 6.1. Pro Bono Guidelines and Award levels were updated in 2025.
