Student Voluntary Pro Bono Program

Wayne Law is devoted to training graduates who excel in the law and provide service to the community, the bench and the bar. The goal of the Wayne Law Student Voluntary Pro Bono Program is to encourage law students to embrace the professional responsibility and social commitment to use their professional training to benefit under-served populations and the community at large.

In addition to the personal satisfaction derived from making a difference in the lives of others, program participants may reap a host of benefits including hands-on legal training and experience, exposure to a variety of areas of law, practice settings and client bases, and the opportunity to develop professional relationships within the legal community.

Wayne Law students who have completed the first term of the first-year day program or two terms of the part-time evening program, have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher, and are not on academic probation are eligible to participate in the Student Voluntary Pro Bono Program. Program participants complete the Warrior Pro Bono Pledge wherein the student agrees to perform a minimum of 50 hours of supervised, qualifying pro bono work while enrolled as a Wayne Law student. Students who fulfill the pledge and complete the requisite forms will receive a Certificate of Pro Bono Service and acknowledgement during law school ceremonies.

To assist program participants in fulfilling the pledge, the Pro Bono Program Director will suggest pre-approved pro bono projects and/or placements involving qualifying work with private attorneys, faculty members, legal services organizations, and other non-profit entities. Students are also strongly encouraged to propose independently developed projects or placements involving qualifying work.

For more details regarding student participation in the program, see the Student Guide to the Student Voluntary Pro Bono Program. If you are an attorney or legal organization seeking law student assistance with pro bono matters, please view the Employer Guide to the program and contact Diane H. Fears, Director of the Student Voluntary Pro Bono Program, at (313) 577-8039 or lawprobono@wayne.edu.

The Wayne Law Student Voluntary Pro Bono Program does not provide direct legal assistance to the general public. If you are seeking legal assistance, please contact the State Bar of Michigan Lawyer Referral and Information Service at (800) 968-0738 or http://www.michbar.org/programs/lawyerreferral.cfm. For information regarding free legal services, visit http://www.michbar.org/public_resources/legalaid.cfm.