September 20, 2012
In the Media
NY univeils new pro bono requirement for lawyers
By Michael Virtanen
The Associated Press
September 19, 2012
Excerpt:
New York will require lawyers to perform 50 hours of pro bono
work as a condition for getting a license under a rule that will
take full effect in 2015, judicial officials said Wednesday.
Janai Nelson, professor at St. John's University School of Law and
associate director of the Ronald H. Brown Center for Civil Rights
and Economic Development, said the rule upholds the principles of
public service at the root of the legal profession, while the 2015
requirement gives current students ample opportunity to
comply.
The requirement "not only provides sorely needed legal access to
those who cannot afford it, but offers prospective lawyers in New
York State the opportunity to build legal skills under the
supervision of a judge or licensed attorney and gain valuable
experience before entering a challenging job market," Nelson
said.