October 20, 2011
From October 23-29, 2011, the School of Law is putting the focus
on pro bono by participating in the annual National Pro Bono
Celebration. Sponsored by the ABA Standing Committee on Pro
Bono and Public Service, the Celebration is a “coordinated national
effort to meet the ever-growing needs of this country's most
vulnerable citizens by encouraging and supporting local efforts to
expand the delivery of pro bono legal services, and by showcasing
the great difference that pro bono lawyers make to the nation, its
system of justice, its communities and, most of all, to the clients
they serve.”
As part of the Celebration, the Law School’s
Public Interest Center is sponsoring an eclectic slate of
events to raise awareness of pro bono work in the law. The events
include:
“Using our legal skills to serve those in need is not only an
important ethical responsibility of our profession but essential to
our Vincentian mission here at St. John’s,” said Rachel D. Andron,
Director of the Public Interest Center. “We hope that by
participating in National Pro Bono Week and exposing students to
ways they can get involved, we will demonstrate how essential pro
bono work is to their experience as lawyers to be.”
Throughout the week, there will be informational tables in the
cafeteria where students can learn more about pro bono
opportunities and public interest initiatives offered through the
Law School, including the upcoming
100 Hours of Poverty Challenge. From November 6-10, 2011,
students will join together to experience 100 hours walking in the
footsteps of individuals and families who participate in the
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as
the food stamps program.
Jennifer Baum, Assistant Professor of Clinical Education,
started the 100 Hours Challenge at St. Johns, bringing together a
steering committee of constituents from across the University to
organize this meaningful community experience.
To learn more about public interest opportunities at St. John’s
School of Law, visit the
Center for Public Interest.