First-years need pro bono credit

by Jordan Taylor

As I wrote in these pages last year, the current pro bono policy of the College of Law is that First Year students cannot receive any pro bono credit until after the end of spring semester exams. After lobbying by outgoing SBA President Pele Peacock and others, the Pro Bono Advisory Committee recently submitted a new proposal to the Faculty Council for a vote by the faculty.
The proposal is as follows:
All pro bono work done by the class of 2010 during their 1L second semester will count toward the graduation requirement. For the class of 2009 pro bono done during their second semester will count towards graduation recognition. Students who have complete 80 and 120 hours of pro bono will receive special “graduation recognition.” There will also be special award for select students who have demonstrated outstanding personal service in the area of pro bono.
Note that 1L’s can receive pro bono credit for activities in addition to Alternative Spring Break, such as LSADR Mediations in Small Claims Court, Education Programs, and many other pro bono programs. The standard for granting pro bono credit will be the same for 1L’s as it is for all other students.
I think this proposal is fair and reasonable. Last year I criticized the faculty as being overly paternalistic for not granting 1L’s pro bono credit. After looking in to the issue, it seems the faculty was merely negligent in
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addressing the issue – the issue came up at the end of a long meeting and lost in a narrow vote.
There are many reasons to grant 1L’s pro bono. Many 1L’s are going to be doing the work regardless; they might as well get credit for it. Also, the school has “mandatory pro bono” – they should not discourage those who have a genuine interest early on from participating. Finally, there is a lot of need and 1L’s can do a lot of great things.
The faculty will be voting on the above proposal on SEPT 5th at 3:30. If you feel as strongly about this issue as I do, I encourage you to talk to your professors and let them know why 1L’s should receive pro bono credit. Track them down in the hall, send them an email, or go to their office. If the faculty recognizes how passionate the students are about pro bono, they will surely allow 1L’s to get involved.