Public service is at the heart of the legal profession. Pro bono work allows students to strengthen their lawyering skills while making a positive impact upon the community. Pro bono service provides an opportunity to see the law in practice and to develop skills such as client interviewing, legal research, and writing. Most states have adopted a rule of professional responsibility that encourages attorneys to provide at least fifty hours of pro bono legal service each year. Vanderbilt Law provides the vision, support, and resources to enable our students to practice law for the greater good both during and after law school.
The Vanderbilt Law School Pro Bono Pledge is a voluntary program through which students make a commitment to dedicate a portion of their time to pro bono legal work and community service during their law school careers. The purpose of the Pledge is to recognize all students who engage in pro bono, public interest and community service activities while enrolled at Vanderbilt Law School and to encourage greater student participation in such work. Students may elect to sign the pledge at any point during their law school career but must complete 75 hours of community service work throughout their 3 years at school.
Email the Public Interest Office Program Coordinator.
Vanderbilt does not respond to email requests for legal assistance. Please call 615-322-4964.