Course Details

Pro Bono in Large Law Firms

This course will explore ethical, practical, and structural issues surrounding pro bono work and will also allow students the opportunity to work with a large firm on pro bono cases. Students are encouraged to identify their own pro bono project with a firm of their choosing, although the instructors are available to assist students in finding a pro bono project. Class discussions and readings will focus on a wide range of issues. The course will first explore the need for pro bono work and current inequalities in access to the legal system. We will examine the relationship between pro bono work and the concepts of professionalism, public service, and equal access to justice. Discussion will include pro bono work in law school, its possible effects on the profession, and whether it should be required. The course will explore ethical issues that may arise in pro bono representation and will examine the structural issues affecting pro bono work in law firms. Finally, the course will examine opportunities in global law firms for international pro bono work, including challenges to doing such work. Evaluation: Students must complete at least 25 hours of pro bono work with a law firm. Students will submit a reflective paper about their pro bono experiences, as well as several short reflection papers on the readings. For a final project students may choose to design a pro bono program for a firm or write a research paper. Grades will be based on successful completion of the pro bono work, class participation, the reflection papers, and the final paper or project. Teaching Method: Seminar discussion.

Catalog Number: LAWSTUDY 672
Practice Areas: Legal Profession and RegulationLegal Skills Development
Additional Course Information: Consult Professor about writing requirements


Course History

Spring 2022
Title: Pro Bono in Large Law Firms
Faculty: DeVaney, Brenna
Weinberg, Benjamin C.
Section: 1     Credits: 2.0
Capacity: 25     Actual: 24