Donating Legal Services to Those in Need

Many people put a lot of trust into others with hope that the trust will be returned in the same way as it was given. This was the case with Hazel Harris as she was living in her home that she bought over 50 years earlier hoping to spend the rest of her days comfortably and peacefully. Ms. Harris was 87 years old and lived on Social Security benefits. Her dream was alive and well until a loan broker allegedly persuaded her to borrow against the equity of her home until she could not longer keep up with the payments. Ms. Harris eventually lost her home to the broker who then ended up selling it to his own mother.

Ms. Harris would have been left homeless without the help of a law firm who assigned an attorney to fight for her in court pro bono. The case, Harris v. Sweeney #02CC14723 (Orange Super. Ct., filed Sept. 17, 2002), settled and Ms. Harris used the money to rent an apartment. This is a very sad account of things that happen in the world everyday, however, without the help of pro bono legal work, these types of situations would end up significantly worse.

During the season of giving, attorneys and law students all join in and donate their skills and expertise to those who are in the most need for such services. This practice which is termed in latin “Pro-bono publico” translated literally “for the public good,” is not just confined to the holidays, however, and is available all year round by both public and private attorneys fulfilling a dire need for those less fortunate.

Valparaiso University School of law is one of a number of law schools requiring students to complete a pro bono requirement before graduation. For those students who complete more than 40 hours of pro bono service, a special notation of commendation appears on their academic transcripts.

Many private firms pride themselves on their pro bono hours and feel that it is a fulfillment of their obligation to society as a legal profession. Accordingly, the American Bar Association issues Pro Bono Publico Awards every year to those individuals and law firms who provide outstanding pro bono service to their clients.

Fittingly, students fulfilling the pro bono requirement cannot receive any credit or wages during their services. However, there is a public interest scholarship program available to certain students who work completely without pay for a public service organization, letting students experience the public sector and allowing them to complete the pro bono requirement by completing additional hours on top of their set work schedule.