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. Students will be recognized upon meeting the following benchmarks:
- LL.M. Graduates - 20 approved hours
- December 2012 and May 2013 Graduates - 35 approved hours
- December 2013 and May 2014 Graduates - 50 approved hours
Students who meet these benchmarks will be inducted into the Pro Bono Society and graduate with pro bono distinction.
Students graduating in December 2013, May 2014 or later must submit completed and signed time sheets no later than the last day of finals for every semester in which the student performed pro bono services. Students graduating in May 2013 or December 2012 may complete and submit signed time sheets for pro bono services completed prior to the formation of the Pro Bono Society in September 2011.
Each student seeking membership into the Pro Bono Society must adhere to the following requirements:
- The work performed must be law-related, and students must be sufficiently trained by an attorney, law faculty member, or other licensed professional.
- Students must work in a volunteer capacity and may not receive any compensation for pro bono work counted towards the Pro Bono Program service hour requirements.
- Any work performed to fulfill requirements of a clinic or directed study project, or to otherwise obtain academic credit will not be counted towards recognized pro bono hours.
- Time spent traveling to and from a volunteer site will not be counted as pro bono service.
- A maximum of six hours of direct training may be credited toward service hours.
Students are encouraged to request individual advising sessions with Pro Bono Program staff to identify and apply for projects tailored to their interests and to become eligible for recognition for their service. Program staff can provide resources for students, including specific information about current pro bono opportunities and contact information for site coordinators.
