Pro Bono Program
Office of Clinical and Pro Bono Programs (OCP)
Wasserstein Hall, Suite 3085
6 Everett Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
Harvard Law School and the Office of Clinical and Pro Bono Programs celebrate Pro Bono Week 2024. The week of October 21, join us for events highlighting technology innovations in access to justice and global pro bono initiatives, while celebrating HLS students’ dedication to pro bono work.
The Pro Bono Program allows students to gain practical legal experience starting their 1L year.
With the opportunity to do volunteer pro bono work under the supervision of licensed attorneys in HLS’s 11 Student Practice Organizations (SPOs), on an individual basis with a law firm, nonprofit or government entity, or on an HLS spring break pro bono trip, students can make a positive impact in their communities and contribute to the public good.
Students doing pro bono work may receive credit towards HLS’s 50 hours pro bono graduation requirement.
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Student Practice Organizations
Explore the 11 Student Practice Organizations, run by students and supervised by expect attorneys, where students can do volunteer pro bono work.
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Pro Bono Graduation Requirement
For JD students, there is a requirement of 50 pro bono hours.
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Find a Pro Bono Placement
Browse pro bono opportunities available during the fall and spring semester.
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Spring Break Pro Bono Trips
Work pro bono during spring break through OCP-organized group trips and projects with legal organizations in the Boston area and across the US.
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New York Bar Pro Bono Admission Requirement
The state of New York requires all applicants to the New York Bar to complete 50 hours of law-related pro bono service before their time of application.
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For Attorneys and Supervisors
Your organization may work with HLS students during the school year either by offering a pro bono placement – where students perform legal work without receiving academic credit – or by offering a clinical placement – where students perform legal work for academic credit.
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![Students walking on campus in the fall]()
Pro Bono Resources
HLS students have many choices if they choose a career at a law firm. The following links offer some resources to evaluate law firm pro bono.
The Office of Clinical and Pro Bono Programs is not a law office and cannot provide legal assistance or referrals. If you’re looking for help, please visit our Support Resources for Greater Boston page.