Pro Bono

Our Commitment to Pro Bono 

Building on St. John’s University’s Vincentian mission of serving those in need, the Law School recognizes the ethical obligation of lawyers to promote social justice and encourages and promotes student participation in pro bono service. 

Pro bono work gives students the opportunity to provide legal assistance and access to justice to unrepresented clients, groups, and interests. In addition, students gain practical skills in client interviewing, advocating in court, preparing legal forms and memos, and in other skills areas. 

The Law School partners with many organizations and legal services providers to offer students a range of pro bono legal experiences and opportunities in various practice areas. To learn more about these opportunities, please visit the Public Interest Center website.

Pro Bono Bar Admission Requirements

On September 14, 2012, the New York State Court of Appeals adopted a new rule requiring applicants for admission to the New York State bar to perform 50 hours of pro bono services.

Every applicant to the New York State bar must fulfill the pro bono requirement. Under the rule qualifying pro bono work must be law-related and includes legal services for people of “limited means,” not-for-profit organizations, individuals or groups seeking to promote access to justice, and public service in the judiciary and state and local governments. 

The work must be performed under the supervision of a law school faculty member, an admitted attorney in good standing, or, in the case of a court system clerkship or externship, by a judge or lawyer employed by the court system. Participation in law school clinics, externships, and public interest summer fellowships count towards the requirement. 

The pro bono work may be done in any state or U.S. territory, the District of Columbia, or any foreign country. The work must have been completed after the start of law school and before admission to the bar. An affidavit completed by the applicant and signed by the supervisor must be completed by each entity for submission to the character and fitness committee.

The text of the rules, frequently asked questions, and the Form Affidavit of Compliance are online.