Georgetown Law is 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 or lack access to the legal system. In furtherance of this principle, Georgetown Law challenges all incoming J.D. law students to pledge to complete at least 50 hours of law-related volunteer work before they graduate. Second year J.D. transfer students are asked to pledge 35 hours and LL.M. candidates, 20 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 pro bono work above and beyond the amount pledged. Students will receive special or exceptional recognition after completing 100 or 200 hours, respectively (read the Pro Bono Pledge Frequently Asked Questions for a full explanation of the hours requirements for special or exceptional recognition for J.D. transfer or L.L.M. students).

There are NO negative consequences for not completing your Pro Bono Pledge. Students who sign up for the pledge and don’t find the time to complete their goal aren’t penalized 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 stay up to date with reporting your pro bono hours if you sign up for the pledge early.