Pro Bono Program

At the heart of the legal profession is 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.

The Syracuse University College of 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

Syracuse Law determines eligibility differently than New York State.

  • Work is not for academic credit or financial compensation
  • Work is law-related and necessitates the use of legal skills
  • Work is performed under the supervision of an attorney
  • Work is done on behalf of a nonprofit organization, a legal services organization, a government agency, or a private firm
  • Work provides pro bono legal services directly to persons with limited means

Reporting Hours

You must report your Pro Bono Hours by March 15 of the year you graduate through 12Twenty. The Pro Bono Advisory Committee will review all reported pro bono hours for eligibility.

Instructions to Submit Pro Bono Hours

College of Law Commencement ceremony, students sitting in their caps and gowns

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 at least 50 hours of pro bono work in the Commencement Program.

  • Minimum of 50 hours: Students will be listed by name in the Commencement Program.
  • Over 75 hours: Students will receive a Blue Pro Bono Honor Cord and will be listed by name in the Commencement Program.
  • Over 100 hours: Students 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 be individually recognized.

Pro Bono Advisory Board 2024 – 2025

Pro Bono Fellow

Kate Silverstrim-Jensen

Advisory Board Members​

Dafni S. Kiritsis, Director of Externships and Career Services

Professor Robert G. Nassau

Kate Silverstrim-Jensen

Two people sitting at a white desk facing each other on their laptops.

Pro Bono Opportunities

Syracuse Law and the Pro Bono Advisory Board work hard to find as many pro bono and community service opportunities as possible. We also encourage students to create new opportunities.

Current Organizations that Provide Pro Bono Opportunities

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 following resources:
Volunteer Lawyers Project of CNY
Hiscock Legal Aid
Legal Services of CNY
Legal Assistance of Western NY, Inc.
CASA: Advocates for Children of NYS
Prisoners’ Legal Services of New York