In an era where many face challenges accessing legal services, pro bono service enables lawyers to bridge the justice gap. At Maine Law, students are encouraged to cultivate this commitment during their studies, with a voluntary standard of 50 pro bono hours. Any student meeting the standard over their three years at the law school is recognized for their pro bono service at graduation.
“Pro bono legal service” refers to legal work performed without financial compensation or academic credit. This includes services provided for legal aid organizations, individual lawyers offering pro bono work, social service agencies, low-income groups, civil rights organizations, environmental groups, consumer organizations, and government agencies serving disadvantaged individuals.
“Law-related community service” is defined as work that benefits a community, its residents, or institutions, has a significant legal component, and is performed without financial compensation or academic credit. Examples include participating in educational projects that mentor local youth about the law and legal system, and assisting “English as a Second Language” programs with legal language instruction.
Partisan political activity is excluded from the definitions of “pro bono legal service” and “law-related community service.”
While pro bono and law-related community service by first-year students, as well as upper-class students, count towards the 50-hour voluntary standard, first-year students are advised to prioritize their studies. The faculty has authorized the Pro Bono Committee to recognize students who complete 50 hours of qualifying service during their enrollment at Maine Law. The Pro Bono Director, Professor Marcia Levy, will determine the satisfaction of these hours.
*NOTE: Students must be supervised by a licensed attorney in order to provide legal assistance. If you are looking for free legal assistance, please contact the Clinics at Maine Law Program to see if you qualify.
Recognition
Those students who provide 50 hours of qualifying service while enrolled at the law school will receive notation in the graduation program. Satisfaction of the 50 hours will be determined by the Pro Bono Director.