The American Bar Association Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service launched the National Celebration of Pro Bono in 2009. Every October, legal organizations across America participate to draw attention to the need for pro bono participation and to thank those who give their time year-round. Harvard Law School celebrates the pro bono work of its students and its alumni. Since the HLS Pro Bono Service Program and requirement began in 2005, J.D. students have contributed over 7,000,000 pro bono hours in Student Practice Organizations, clinics, and organizations on campus and around the world.
Harvard Law School and the Office of Clinical and Pro Bono Programs are thrilled to be a part of the 2026 Pro Bono Celebration. Throughout the month of October, join us for events highlighting pro bono opportunities in law school and in your future career, while celebrating HLS students’ dedication to pro bono work.
Upcoming Events:
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Pro Bono 101: A Head Start to the Practice of Law – Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Welcome
October 2, 2026
2:15 pm – 4:15 pmThis event for new HLS 1L, LLM, and transfer students will include a panel program with Justice Elizabeth Dewar, others from the law firm and courts pro bono community, as well as law students from other Boston law schools. A tour of the John Adams Courthouse will follow. Friday, October… -
Boston Pro Bono Fair
October 21, 2026
4:30 pm – 6:00 pmLocal law students and attorneys are cordially invited to attend Suffolk’s and the Boston Bar Association’s 15th Annual Pro Bono Fair. This event provides attendees with the chance to connect with a large variety of legal services organizations that are eager for new volunteers. Suffolk University Law School 120 Tremont… -
Justice Jam
October 22, 2026
6:00 pm – 8:00 pmA fun and casual event for the HLS public interest community! Join OPIA for the third annual Justice Jam. Grab some appetizers while listening to passionate public interest attorneys and soon-to-be attorneys tell a story about why they fight for justice. Each storyteller will share—in just five minutes! —what inspires them to do public interest work. It will be part poetry slam about justice, part public interest pep talk, and, if YOU come, a whole lot of fun. Join us! Food and beverage provided. RSVP below!
Pro Bono Stories
Congratulations to the 2026 Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Pro Bono Honor Roll recipients!
To learn more about how to engage with pro bono at HLS, explore these pages.
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Find a Pro Bono Placement
Browse pro bono opportunities available during the fall and spring semester.
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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 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.
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Pro Bono Graduation Requirement
For JD students, there is a requirement of 50 pro bono hours.
