Pro Bono is Latin and shortened from the phrase Pro Bono Publico, which means “for the public good.” The dictionary defines Pro Bono as relating to work that is done or legal services, that are provided by a lawyer or someone in the legal profession without asking for payment or compensation from the indigent.
At Ave Maria School of Law, Pro Bono service is defined as work legal in nature done on behalf of low-income or underrepresented populations. 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 neither compensated with pay nor with academic credit.
With this said, the Ave Maria School of Law and its mission is in direct alignment with the Pro Bono definition.
Are students ready to live the Ave Maria Law mission which is to respect and safeguard the human dignity of others and work for the common good of the human family? Many students share that they come to law school to make a difference and serve others. Pro Bono work provides this opportunity.
The following are a few quotes from prior students, now Ave alumni:
I believe pro bono is essential to the personal human growth and development necessary to build the foundation of a moral lawyer. –Pete Fernandes
I am thankful for having the opportunity to offer pro bono work to immigrants in Southwest Florida. Pro bono work allowed me to use the knowledge I gained in law school while at the same time practicing legal skills that one only learns through experience. –Elisa Huapilla Miron
The pro bono work I have done has helped me grow as an individual and I look forward to continuing to participate in more pro bono work even after law school. -Marina Moussa
Ave Maria Law alumni have shown their ongoing commitment to pro bono by winning first place in the state two years in a row for the Florida Pro Bono Law School Challenge. If students begin pro bono work in law school, then it is a natural progression to continue to serve after completion of law school and throughout their professional careers.
Many may ask, what are the benefits of pro bono work? First, it provides intrinsic value to the individual. Pro Bono provides a sense of purpose and meaning when helping others, while helping students develop new competencies. Prior law students have shared that they experienced personal growth, and professional development, and gained exposure to new areas of law and legal skills they would never learn in the classroom. Also, the community engagement and social impact of the projects that are made available are invaluable and makes the individual feel that they have made a difference. Another important piece of getting involved in pro bono work is the opportunity to build relationships and build your professional network.
One last point, there are many opportunities to get involved in pro bono work. AMSL has a Pro Bono Recognition Program, there are ongoing pro bono projects available, October National Pro Bono Week is celebrated annually here at Ave, and of course the Florida Pro Bono Law School Challenge.
