When society confers the privilege to practice law on an individual, he or she accepts the responsibility to promote justice and to make justice equally accessible to all people. Prospective students should be mindful of this responsibility when considering law as a career. When choosing a law school, it is important to evaluate whether a particular school will supply the necessary foundation for achieving their goals relating to pro bono.
Many schools offer opportunities in career-related public resources, pro bono programming or both.
Approval of Law Schools require schools to provide opportunities for students to participate in pro bono activities. The responsibility to perform pro bono services sets the legal profession apart from other societal roles. Pro bono opportunities offered by law schools teach students that for the economically disadvantaged, the inability to obtain legal services for basic needs, can have dire consequences. Students learn firsthand that for many people, pro bono legal assistance is vital to maintaining minimum levels of basic needs such as government benefits, income, shelter, utilities, child support and physical protection. The special skills they develop during law school can significantly benefit the underprivileged.