Since 1991, pro bono service has been a key component of the leadership development of Duke Law students. As one of the earliest formal law school programs in the country, the Pro Bono Project takes learning beyond the classroom, connecting students with attorneys working in non-profit and governmental organizations, as well as private pro bono practice to explore and contribute to public service, sharpen their legal and professional skills, and build relationships important to their future careers.

Students also are educated about the gaps in the legal delivery system and are given the chance to become involved in work that benefits the community, such as providing legal services to low-income individuals, researching important policy issues, participating in the legislative or judicial system, or teaching constitutional law to high school students.

Pro Bono Project - Hours Reporting

Hours should be reported by semester. Only enter hours related to pro bono legal service or legal information/education. Time spent in training and certification should be included in your total hours.

Log your Pro Bono Hours

If you are off campus you will first need to Start a VPN connection. If you have never established a VPN connection, go to the Duke SSL VPN Login page, select “Default” for the Department, and login with your NetID credentials. The VPN will then run some quick installers and will indicate being connected either from a window or with an icon in the bottom right of the screen. Once you are connected, you should be able to get into the ProBono system. See the File Sharing & Network page for more information on VPN.

The Pro Bono Pledge

At Duke Law School, participation in the Pro Bono Project is voluntary but all students are encouraged to participate. Students are invited to sign the Pro Bono Pledge in which they commit to contribute a minimum of 50 hours of law-related community service, including pro bono or clinic field work, during their time as students.

Sign the Pro Bono Pledge