Law School - Syracuse University

COMMUNITY SERVICE/PRO BONO AT THE COLLEGE OF LAW
Voluntary Pro Bono and Community Service Program

Lawyers are professionals with an obligation to serve the legal profession and their community. This obligation begins with enrollment in law school. In order to meet this obligation and to implement a process for instilling a sense of service in our students we encourage every student at the Syracuse University College of Law to participate in Pro Bono and Community Service activities.

Angela Cruz and Linsdey Duerst raised $10,000 for the post-Katrina relief efforts in New Orleans. Both have been recognized for their contributions with the 2006 Chancellor's Award for Public Service.

We undertake this as part of our commitment to the pursuit of excellence in learning, professionalism, and service. Pro bono and community service can take on a variety of forms. In order to count as pro bono and community service in our program it must be done without compensation and not for credit.

Activities that qualify as pro bono and community service under this requirement include providing services:

1) to people served by legal services and legal aid organizations;

2) to low and moderate income people served by Bar sponsored programs designed to promote access to justice and the legal system;

3) to nonprofit charitable and community groups and organizations (excluding political parties);

4) to schools (grades K-12) in programs designed to advance an understanding of the legal system.

Special Recognition for Pro Bono and Community Service

Because the College of Law is proud of our students’ commitment to pro bono and community service work, we have created a special recognition program. In order for a student to receive special recognition at graduation, a student must be in good academic standing and have completed at least 30 hours of pro bono and community service within this program. There are two categories of Pro Bono and Community Service Recognition Awards.

Blue Pro Bono Community Service Award: (complete the recommended 30 hours of service)
Orange Pro Bono and Community Service Award: (exceed the recommended 30 hours of service by at least 1 full hour)
In addition, the top three graduating students providing the most pro bono and community service hours shall be individually recognized.

The Special Recognition Awards will be given out in connection with the end of year graduation and convocation exercise, and will be noted in the graduation materials. In addition, students will be permitted to wear a special signifier at graduation, as provided by the College. Students are able to record Community Service/Pro Bono hours on the registration form below.

In the spirit of supporting our students in their efforts to provide pro bono and community service, faculty should also strive to provide pro bono and community service on an annual basis. Faculty members are encouraged to voluntarily report pro bono and community service activities on the annual Faculty Assessment Form.