About the Pro Bono Service Program

Students may work in programs that offer legal services to persons who cannot afford, in whole or in part, to pay for services, including non profit organizations, government agencies, and law firms doing pro bono work. Summer public interest work funded through the summer funding program can also count towards the requirement. Work at a law firm qualifies as long as the entire 40 hours is on a pro bono case and is uncompensated. The work may also be performed in a setting in which credit is given (clinical programs), in conjunction with a faculty pro bono project, in student-initiated projects, or in many of the HLS volunteer student organizations. Since this pro bono requirement is intended to teach law by experience, the student's work should involve the application or interpretation of law, the formulation of legal policy, or the drafting of legislation or regulations, and it should not be clerical in nature.

Supervision can be by a lawyer in the organization or by a faculty member at the law school with an on-site supervisor. Therefore, our office and our students do not provide legal advice or legal services directly to members of the public. If you are seeking legal services, please contact the Legal Services Corporation.

Anti-discrimination Policy: No employer may practice discrimination in any form based on race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, disability, source of income, military status as a Vietnam-era or disabled veteran. By using the services of OPIA and the Pro Bono Service Program, the employer agrees to abide by this policy and will see to it that all persons interviewing Harvard Law students on its behalf have been notified of this policy.