Pro Bono Pledge
At Georgetown, we are dedicated to the principle that members of the legal profession and those aspiring to enter the legal profession have a professional obligation to assist in providing quality legal services to individuals, groups, or causes that are under-represented in the legal system. In furtherance of this principle, Georgetown Law challenges all incoming J.D. law students to pledge to complete at least 75 hours of law-related volunteer work and community service before they graduate. Second year J.D. transfer students are asked to pledge 50 hours and LL.M. candidates, 25 hours. Students who meet their Pro Bono Pledge goals will receive a certificate from the Dean and recognition at commencement.
All students are encouraged to perform volunteer work beyond the amount pledged. Students will receive special recognition for exceptional service after completing secondary and tertiary pledge goals. (Read the Pro Bono Pledge Requirements FAQ for a full explanation of special recognition.)
There are no negative consequences for not meeting the Pro Bono Pledge. Students who sign up for the pledge and don't find the time to complete their goal aren't penalized or shamed in any way. So sign up! Taking the pledge is the best way to make sure you achieve it. It's much easier to find pro bono opportunities and to remember to report your volunteer work if you sign up for the pledge early.
Pledge Signup
- Navigate to the Pro Bono Registration Form in Symplicity.
- Fill out the registration form. Be sure to select your interests, list your language skills and briefly describe your relevant background. This will help the Pro Bono Programs Office let you know about volunteer opportunities that might interest you or for which you have the language skills.
- Click "Submit Application" to sign up for the Pro Bono Pledge.
