Pro bono attorneys play a critical role in providing access to justice to people who can’t afford legal representation. Among the many ways Harvard Law School commits to this effort is through its 35 clinics, 11 student practice organizations, and more than 100 clinical faculty and teachers. Harvard Law School J.D. students are required to complete 50 pro bono hours before graduation; last year’s graduating class completed an average of 651 hours per student. Since 2005, HLS students have contributed 4,865,202 hours of pro bono legal services work.
This week, HLS’ Office of Clinical and Pro Bono Programs (OCP) is celebrating National Pro Bono week, from October 20 to 26, with a series of events highlighting the work of outstanding attorneys engaged in pro bono legal work. Keynote speakers this week will discuss their work protecting access to health care for critically ill immigrant children; combatting hate crimes and white supremacy; and fighting against LGBTQ employment discrimination. This year’s theme, Stand Together, Stand for Justice, underscores how lawyers work together with clients, partner organizations, and communities to achieve their goals.
HLS Pro Bono Week Events:
A Critical Win: The Fight to Reinstate Care for Critically Ill Immigrants
October 22, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
WCC 3018
Lunch Talk with Julia Olson of Our Children’s Trust
October 23, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
WCC 5116 6 Everett Street, Suite 5116
HLS TaxHelp and the Problem of Predatory Tax Preparation
October 24, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
WCC 1019
Adams Pro Bono Publico Award Ceremony
October 24, 3:30 pm
John Adams Courthouse One Pemberton Square
Boston, MA 02108 United States
LGBTQ Discrimination before the Supreme Court: Reflections from Employees’ Counsel
October 25, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
WCC 3018
The National Celebration of Pro Bono is an initiative by The American Bar Association to increase awareness of the growing need for pro bono services, and to highlight the positive impact that lawyers make in their communities across the United States and in the lives of the clients they serve.