Chase Pro Bono Service Program

The Chase Pro Bono Service Program was created to ensure that Chase students come to understand the law as a public profession calling for the performance of pro bono legal services. The program seeks to instill in students the values needed to promote a lifetime commitment to law-related community service. As an educational program, the Pro Bono Service Program will provide students with a vehicle to gain legal skills, expose them to various areas of the law, and enhance their contact with the legal community.

Chase law students have always been encouraged to participate in pro bono activities. Students who entered Chase prior to the fall of 2008 and who engage in at least 25 hours of law-related pro bono activity receive a pro bono transcript notation in recognition of their service.

Beginning with the fall of 2008, all entering Chase students will participate in our new Pro Bono Service Program by completing 50 hours of pro bono service prior to graduation. Pro bono service is defined as law-related work performed in public interest, pro bono or other non-profit organizations; in the public sector; or with private practitioners or law firms where the work is performed at no cost or at a reduced fee on behalf of underrepresented clients.

Students will select from a variety of organizations designated as approved placement sites for their pro bono work, or alternatively, students may design their own pro bono projects. In addition, several pro bono projects based at the law school offer students pro bono opportunities. To fulfill the pro bono service requirement, students may perform a broad range of law-related work, including community legal education, client intake, case preparation, research and writing, and legislative or policy analysis. Approved pro bono work may be performed locally, nationwide, or even internationally.

Whether you are a current or prospective Chase student or an organization interested in serving as a placement site or “pro bono partner,” we encourage you to explore our website to learn more about our exciting new Pro Bono Service Program.

Please note: The Chase Pro Bono Service Program does not provide direct legal services. If you are in need of legal assistance, you may obtain referral information by contacting the Cincinnati Bar Association or the Northern Kentucky Bar Association.