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.
PRO BONO FACTS, 2022-23
THE PRO BONO EXPERIENCE
“Being able to apply my limited legal knowledge to make a difference for someone who needed it was a fulfilling feeling and cemented for me that I made the right choice to go to law school.”
“I chose to come to law school to learn how to be a voice for the voiceless, and UVA Law’s pro bono opportunities have allowed me to do just that.”
“I would advise incoming students not to write off the idea of participating in pro bono projects, even if they are certain that they want to start off in private practice.”
I have been able to help in a meaningful way while also developing my legal research, writing and interpersonal skills.