Pro Bono Scholar- Law Students

Law students can gain valuable legal experience while having an impact in our community!

The Legal Aid Society of Rochester provides free or low-cost civil legal services to financially eligible individuals in the areas of family law, housing and consumer law, immigration, education, and Attorney for the Child.  Our team helps clients facing eviction, pursuing custody and visitation of their children, seeking a path to citizenship, or need help advocating school rights for their children.

The New York Pro Bono Scholars Program allows students in their final year of law school to devote their last semester of study to pro bono service for low-income residents through an approved externship program, law school clinic, or legal services provider.

This program gives third-year law students the opportunity to take the February New York State Bar exam before they graduate, then work full-time in a pro bono placement in their final semester of law school.

Opportunities are generally available in each unit:  Family Law, Housing & Consumer Law, Education Law, Immigration, and Attorney for the Child.

This Pro Bono Scholar opportunity allows individuals to sharpen the following skills:

• Research
• Document production
• Client interaction
• Court representation*

*Law students placed with the Housing & Consumer Law Unit and Family Law Unit are eligible to appear in court, under a practice order and supervision of staff attorneys, and provide legal representation and counseling to qualified applicants.

While we are hybrid, the best experience comes from being in the office, which is required for those who will have courtroom time.  Law school programs may limit the number of hours that can be completed remotely.

Benefits:

• Direct supervision and mentorship
• Continuing legal education programs and training
• Build relationships with attorneys and legal staff
• Attend LASROC meetings and events

For more information before applying, please check with your law school Career Placement Office regarding their application process. Office of Court Administration guidelines can be found here: https://ww2.nycourts.gov/attorneys/probonoscholars/index.shtml.

Deadline for application submission:  November 1

The Legal Aid Society of Rochester is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We prohibit discrimination against interns, employees, and applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected category.