PRO BONO SERVICE PROGRAM

The Pro Bono Service Program affords every student the opportunity to gain hands-on legal experience while serving the community. With more than twenty-five participating agencies and organizations, the Program offers a variety of options for interested students. Students may pursue an interest in criminal defense with the Office of the Public Defender, or they may assist pro se litigants in the Superior Court of New Jersey (Essex County). Students interested in immigration law may select an assignment with one of three agencies, including the International Institute of New Jersey. Other options enable students to serve AIDS patients at the Hyacinth Foundation, provide income tax assistance through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Project, offer counsel to teenage mothers at Kenmare Alternative High School and provide representation to victims of domestic violence at various legal agencies. Once committed, students are expected to contribute a minimum of 35 hours. While no credit is awarded, a notation of participation is placed on the students transcript and a commendation is given at graduation.