A Commitment to Justice and Service
The term “pro bono” comes from the Latin phrase pro bono publico, meaning “for the public good”—and that’s exactly what our Pro Bono Program is all about.
Syracuse Law is proud to offer law students the opportunity to gain hands-on legal experience while making a real impact in the community. Students who complete 50 or more hours of qualifying pro bono work before graduation receive special recognition for their dedication to serving others.
We partner with local attorneys and public interest organizations to connect students with meaningful opportunities to assist individuals with limited means. Whether advocating for underserved communities or working alongside experienced professionals, our students develop essential legal skills while upholding the core values of the profession.
Pro Bono Program Guide
Eligibility Requirements
Work that qualifies as pro bono under the New York State rule (Rule 520.16 of the Rules of the Court of Appeals) counts as pro bono work under the College of Law’s Recognition program however, the work cannot be for financial compensation. Qualifying work that is for academic credit (clinics or externships) and unpaid can count for recognition. Each semester of a Clinic counts as 50 hours of pro bono towards the Recognition Program.
Reporting Hours
You must report your Pro Bono Hours by March 15 of the year you graduate through Orange CORE. The Pro Bono Advisory Committee will review all reported pro bono hours for eligibility.
Instructions to Submit Pro Bono Hours
While Syracuse Law does not require any pro bono hours for graduation, we encourage students to participate in pro bono activities. At Commencement, we recognize students who perform over 50 hours of pro bono work during law school.
- Students with >50 to 150 hours will receive a Blue Pro Bono Honor Cord and will be listed by name in the Commencement Program.
- Students with >150 hours will receive an Orange Pro Bono Honor Cord and will be listed by name in the Commencement Program.
- The top three JD graduating students and the top LLM graduating student with the most pro bono hours will receive a Blue and an Orange Pro Bono Cord and will be individually recognized.
Pro Bono Advisory Board 2026 – 2027
Pro Bono Fellow
Katherine Turner
Advisory Board Members
Pro Bono Legal Service Partners
New York State Pro Bono Bar Requirement
New York State requires completion of pro bono work as part of the bar application process. This FAQ addresses how to demonstrate compliance for Admission to the NY Bar. Under Rule 520.16 of the Rules of the Court of Appeals, applicants who successfully pass the bar examination in New York must demonstrate that they have performed 50 hours of qualifying pro bono service before applying for admission to practice. This is achieved through the execution of an affidavit by you and your supervisor to be submitted with your character and fitness application. Your supervising attorney must sign the affidavit, you must hold onto this document until you are ready to apply for admission.
Syracuse Law will not verify your hours for purposes of admission to the New York State bar. The attorney supervisor at the placement must verify your hours.
Hours must comply with Rule 520.16 of the Rules of the Court of Appeals and conforms to its commentary:
- Work is law-related and necessitates the use of legal skills
- Work is performed under the supervision of an attorney
- Hours are certified by the supervising attorney via an Affidavit of Compliance
- Hours are completed prior to the student’s admission to the Bar
Please refer to this NYS website for additional information.
Disclaimer
The Syracuse University College of Law Pro Bono Recognition Program cannot provide direct legal advice or services to members of the general public. Law students performing pro bono service must be supervised by a licensed attorney. For assistance in obtaining legal representation, please consider the above pro bono legal service partners.
