The definition of pro bono is construed liberally and encompasses government service, including any federal, state, or local government agency or court. Law students are required to complete 60 hours of pro bono service before graduation. Students can complete hours towards their pro bono requirement during any of their years in law school. However, first year law students are only authorized to perform their pro bono service during the winter recess after completion of examinations for the first semester and during the spring semester. As a suggested goal, students are encouraged to complete 30 hours of pro bono service before registering for the first semester of their third year and 45 hours of pro bono service before registering for the second semester of their third year.
Law students are responsible for locating pro bono work and qualified supervisors.
For May graduates, the deadline to complete all pro bono requirements is the Friday after spring recess. For December graduates, the deadline to complete all pro bono requirements is the Monday following the Thanksgiving recess. First year law students may only perform approved pro bono service during the winter recess of their first year after completing the first semester of law school study. Except for the restrictions on the first year law student pro bono activity, the 60-hour requirement may be fulfilled during one or more semesters and during the winter, spring, and summer recesses. The 60-hour pro bono work requirement may be fulfilled with one or more approved agencies, individuals, organizations, or projects.