Pro bono service is more than a requirement of many state bars: it's a foundational underpinning of the legal profession. As you use your skills to help people in need, you gain the satisfaction of knowing you've contributed meaningful, quantifiable service to society at large. Law students engaged in pro bono work have the opportunity to learn and hone skills in a real-world setting and to make connections throughout the Atlanta legal community, while helping those in need and contributing to their communities.
Emory Law's location in a metropolitan area offers abundant opportunities to engage in pro bono work. Emory is associated with The Carter Center, founded to promote democracy and human rights around the world. Atlanta is at the heart of criminal justice reform in the South, with leading organizations such as the Southern Center for Human Rights. The city is also home to the South's largest environmental organization, the Southern Environmental Law Center. Organizations such as the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers’ Foundation, Atlanta Legal Aid, and the Georgia Justice Project offer opportunities for students to engage in meaningful pro bono work across a range of practice areas.
Pro Bono Opportunities
Emory Law encourages all students, regardless of their professional goals, to engage in meaningful pro bono work at some point during their law school careers. Numerous clinics, student groups, and community organizations offer pro bono opportunities for Emory Law students. A few of these groups include:
- Volunteer Clinic for Veterans
- Emory Law School Supreme Court Advocacy Program
- Barton Center's Know Your Rights Project
- Emory Immigrant Legal Assistance
- International Refugee Assistance Project
- Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers’ Foundation
- Georgia Legal Services Program
- Georgia Justice Project
Click here to view a current list of available student pro bono opportunities.
Pro Bono Certificates and Medals
Emory Law students engaged in pro bono work have the opportunity to earn an annual Pro Bono Certificate as well as a Pro Bono Publico medal to be worn at commencement.
To earn these awards, students must log:
- 25 hours per year to earn the Pro Bono Certificate
- 75 hours total in law school (JD/AJD) or 50 hours total (LLM) to earn the Pro Bono Medal.
To count towards these awards, pro bono service hours must meet the following requirements:
- unpaid, law-related work,
- performed during the school year (between the first day of Fall classes and the day before Graduation),
- supervised by a judge or attorney, that
- assists in the provision of legal services without charge
- for persons of limited means, or
- for not-for-profit, nonpartisan (501(c)(3)) organizations or governmental organizations, or
- for other individuals, groups or organizations seeking to secure or protect civil rights, civil liberties or public rights.
Click here for more details on Emory Law’s pro bono awards program.