The students and professors of Ave Maria School of Law do not practice law and are not authorized to provide legal advice or representation. Any pro bono legal services provided by our students are conducted exclusively under the supervision of licensed attorneys through established community organizations or legal clinics. This ensures compliance with all applicable laws and ethical standards governing legal practice. For legal assistance or advice, please consult a qualified attorney or an authorized legal service provider.

Ave Maria School of Law has approved a Pro Bono Recognition Program honoring students who volunteer 50 or more hours of time to pro bono legal work. The Pro Bono Recognition Program includes:

• A notation on the student’s transcript.
• Recognition by the Dean.
• A graduation cord to wear at graduation.

If you plan to or want to participate in the Pro Bono Recognition Program please make sure to submit the Commitment, and Evaluation Forms, plus the hours’ log confirming your 50 hours of pro bono work per project to OPD@avemarialaw.edu or coglesby@avemarialaw.edu by March 31^st. If you do not have any pro bono hours to date, there is still time to work towards obtaining pro bono hours. Reminder: You should not work more than 20 hours per week at a pro bono site/case.

To all 1Ls & 2Ls

To begin earning Pro Bono hours from Ave Maria School of Law you will need to complete the following on Symplicity:

• The Pro Bono Student Commitment form via Symplicity only.
• Once you begin work, you should track your hours on the hours log sheet found in the pro bono guide.
• Make sure to have the attorney supervisor sign the Hours’ Log sheet, and then you can submit via Symplicity only.
• Once the project is completed, you should complete the final evaluation form via Symplicity only.

In addition, 1Ls may work up to 10 hours per week only during the school year.

What is considered Pro Bono work?

• Legal or law-related work that is consistent with Catholic teaching on faith and morals as set forth by the Magisterium under the supervision of a licensed attorney and for which a student is not compensated, either with pay or with academic credit, AND
• Provides legal assistance to individuals of limited means or to charitable, religious, civic, community, governmental, and educational organizations that are designed primarily to address the needs of persons of limited means; OR
• Provides legal assistance to individuals, groups, or organizations seeking to secure or protect civilrights, civil liberties, or public rights, particularly those closely linked to AMSL mission, OR
• Provides legal assistance to charitable, civic, community, governmental, or educational organizations in matters in furtherance of their organizational purposes, where the payment of standard legal fees would significantly deplete the organization’s economic resources or would otherwise be inappropriate.

Why is Pro Bono work important?

In addition to helping individuals in need and underserved populations, Pro Bono work allows you to develop necessary and important legal and practical skills. It is a rewarding opportunity to make a recognizable difference in individual’s lives and grow your marketable legal skills at the same time. In addition, the ABA and many state Bar Associations are placing increased importance on Pro Bono work. For instance, the New York State Bar requires 50 hours of Pro Bono work before licensing new attorneys.

When can Pro Bono work be completed?

Now! And as long as you complete 50 hours of Pro Bono work and submit all paperwork by March 31^st of the student’s 3L year, you will be eligible for the Pro Bono Recognition Program.