Find Pro Bono Opportunities

Georgetown Law Pro Bono Program

The Georgetown Law Pro Bono Program is designed to provide Georgetown Law students, including 1Ls, with opportunities to engage in hands-on, law-related volunteer work. The program connects students with pro bono placements at area nonprofits and legal services providers to assist with a wide variety of tasks, including: performing intakes, investigating cases, drafting court pleadings, and performing legal and policy research. Projects range in time commitment from a one-time Saturday clinic to a semester-long weekly shift. They are designed to accommodate busy student schedules while being mindful of providers’ capacity. Participating in the Georgetown Law Pro Bono Program is a great way to give back to the DC community, gain practical experience, build professional connections, and accumulate hours toward the Pro Bono Pledge.

Find Your Own

In addition to one-time or shorter-term pro bono opportunities, students may also engage in longer-term work with local organizations through an internship or externship. Externships frequently take place during the academic year and are performed for academic credit (be aware that work completed for credit does not count toward the Georgetown Law Pro Bono Pledge; however, hours above and beyond those credited may be counted). Internships, often taking place over the summer on a voluntary basis or supported by a stipend, can be a great way to develop legal skills, experience and relationships. See the Georgetown Law Pro Bono Pledge FAQs for guidance as to what summer work may qualify for Pledge recognition.

If you are interested in setting up a pro bono internship, the following resources offer a great way to start your search:

• Paladin — Providers in Georgetown Law’s Paladin network post projects throughout the year that might fit your interests and schedule. While many entail a one-time or short-term commitment, some can be structured as semester-long internships.
• Symplicity — This site lists postings for paid and unpaid internships and externships. The listings in Symplicity have been sent to Georgetown by employers actively recruiting for the semester or the summer. (Note: 1Ls will not be able to look at Symplicity internship listings until on or about October 15 due to NALP guidelines.) When you log onto the site, select the “Jobs” tab and search from there for possible placements of interest. For guidance on how to approach an organization about a pro bono arrangement, contact the Pro Bono Director(This link opens in a new tab) in OPICS.
• PSJD — This site lists announcements for internships and projects with domestic and international non-profit organizations and government agencies. In addition, PSJD is a great resource for identifying organizations that engage in the type of work in which you are interested. To access the PSJD database you will need to create a user name and password the first time you visit the site.

Keep in mind that these databases are only a starting point. There are many other area public service oriented organizations that don’t actively recruit. If you don’t feel drawn to any of the positions listed online, or if you are passionate about an issue that you don’t see represented, please contact the Pro Bono Director. OPICS has extensive experience working with local organizations and has contacts with many Georgetown friends and alumni who can assist you in finding a placement that is a good match for you and the organization.