Why We Serve

“[E]qual justice under law is not merely a caption on the facade of the Supreme Court building, it is perhaps the most inspiring ideal of our society. It is one of the ends for which our entire legal system exists ... it is fundamental that justice should be the same, in substance and availability, without regard to economic status.”

—JUSTICE LEWIS F. POWELL JR.

“We educated, privileged lawyers have a professional and moral duty to represent the underrepresented in our society, to ensure that justice exists for all, both legal and economic justice.”

—JUSTICE SONIA SOTOMAYOR

Established in 1999, the Law School’s Pro Bono Program cultivates a lifelong commitment to the provision of legal services to those in need. We believe that lawyers have a professional obligation to provide pro bono services and ensure access to justice for all.

The program offers all students — from first-years to LL.M.s — the chance to use their developing legal skills on behalf of underrepresented communities and causes. Opportunities to volunteer range from providing assistance to victims of violence seeking protective orders to working on impact litigation for civil rights and racial justice. Through their participation in the Pro Bono Program, students engage in meaningful legal work and gain practical skills while providing legal services to underserved communities in Charlottesville, Virginia and beyond. 

Why Do Pro Bono?

 

PRO BONO FACTS, 2022-23

16,340
pro bono hours logged
12,040
Class of 2023 graduates completed the 75-hour challenge
6,390
hours logged by 197 students at 92 organizations over Winter Break

THE PRO BONO EXPERIENCE

Andrew Broaddus and Kimberly Emery

Contact

The Pro Bono Program
probono@law.virginia.edu
(434) 924-3883