Pro Bono Graduation Requirement FAQ
Note: The answers to these and other questions are found inside the Public Interest Handbook. Students must read the handbook in its entirety.
When can I start fulfilling my Pro Bono requirement?
Can I fulfill the requirement out-of-state?
Does VITA fulfill the Pro Bono requirement?
Can I fulfill the requirement working with a private attorney?
Can I arrange a placement with an agency not on the Qualified Public Interest Organizations List?
Can I work at the Public Defender's Office to fulfill this requirement?
Does the Pro Bono requirement have to be completed in one term?
If I do an Externship with a Public Interest agency, does that fulfill the Pro Bono requirement?
How will the Law School know when I start the requirement or when I complete it?
How can I find out what opportunities are available?
Can I fulfill my requirement in my last semester?
What happens if I do not fulfill the requirement?
Q. When can I start fulfilling my pro bono requirement?
A. Any time after you finish your 1st year finals and file your Statement of Intent.
Q. Can I fulfill the requirement out-of-state?
A. Yes. You must have the placement approved as a Special Placement by the Public Interest Law Department Director.
Q. Does VITA fulfill the pro bono requirement?
A. Yes. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program will fulfill the requirement. Please note this program is only available during the Spring semester, and therefore must be completed during the 2nd year for Day students, or the 2nd or 3rd year for Evening students.
Q. Can I fulfill the requirement working with a private attorney?
A. Yes. Private attorney placements may be available as Special
Placements, so long as you are not being paid for the work
and get prior approval from the Public Interest Law Department.
You must get permission from the Public Interest Law
Department to complete a Special Placement before
you begin any hours. See the Public Interest
Law Department Director for further information.
Q. Can I arrange a placement with an agency not on the Qualified Public Interest Organizations list?
A. Yes. So long as the placement meets the criteria to be
a "QPIO," and is approved by the Public
Interest Law Department Director in advance.
Q. Can I work at the Public Defender's Office to fulfill this requirement?
A. No. Government agencies do not qualify as "QPIO's,” nor do Judge's chambers.
Q. Does the pro bono requirement have to be completed in one term?
A. No. Day students may complete the requirement during two consecutive semesters. Evening students may take longer, so long as the requirement is completed prior to the last semester.
Q. If I do an externship with a public interest agency, does that fulfill the pro bono requirement?
A. Yes. An externship at a Qualified Public Interest Organization automatically fulfills the pro bono requirement - so long as you have filed the Statement of Intent, and the externship is a minimum of two units.
Q. How will the Law School know when I start the requirement or when I complete it?
A. That information will be maintained on your official law school transcript. You must file a Statement of Intent when you begin the requirement. When you have completed the requirement, that information is noted on your transcript.
Q. How can I find out what opportunities are available?
A. Drop by the Public Interest Law Department (Founders Hall,
Rm. 240) and speak to Professor Sande Buhai, the Public
Interest Law Department Director, or call her at (213) 736-1156.
You'll be amazed at the range of opportunities.
Q. Can I fulfill the requirement in my last semester?
A. No. The pro bono requirement must be completed before you start your last semester.
Q. What happens if I don't fulfill the requirement?
A. You will not graduate. There are no exceptions or waivers.