pro bono > procedure

Procedure

Because the law school's program is voluntary, the Executive Board does not "place" students with a project. Instead, the Executive Board provides information on existing pro bono opportunities, and encourages students to seek out and arrange their own pro bono projects. The Executive Board is always available to answer student questions about how to contact organizations. Students have the exclusive responsibility for keeping accurate records and will not receive pro bono recognition unless the work has been performed in full compliance with the Program Guidelines. The Pro Bono Program operates under the Honor Code. Inflating or falsifying hours could result in disciplinary action. The Board faculty chair will verify reported pro bono hours randomly each semester.

Steps:

1. Read and become familiar with the law school's Definition of Pro Bono and Statement of Completion Program.

2. Locate a Pro Bono employer or project using the local pro bono list, the Public Service Law Network, an in-house pro bono opportunity or your own efforts. Once you begin working, track the following information:

   • a) The name of your Pro Bono Employer;
   • b) A brief description of your work;
   • c) The time frame for your work; d)Your total hours.

3. Our online reporting system has been restored. Please report your hours using the instructions on the online reporting form, which can be found on your MyLaw account.

4. If you have any doubts about whether your prospective project meets one of the definitions of pro bono, submit a brief written description of the proposed project to the Pro Bono Executive Board. The Board will review your description and advise you whether your proposed project qualifies for pro bono credit.

5. You may report hours at any time, but it is especially helpful to report hours: in May, after finals; in August, just before school starts; and in December, after finals. In any event, to be counted for the Oregon State Bar Pro Bono Challenge, all hours performed in a calendar year must be reported no later than January 20, for the preceding year.

6. Please submit all pro bono hours at the end of each semester so the Executive Board can monitor the total number of pro bono hours students have performed from year to year, and can submit hours to the Oregon State Bar Pro Bono Challenge.

7. The Executive Board will hold your records establishing full compliance with the Pro Bono Program requirements until April of your graduation year, at which time the Executive Board will forward your name to the Administration for Certification. Certificates are awarded at graduation.

8. At any time upon completing your 40 hours and turning in your completed forms to the Pro Bono Executive Board, you may state on your résumé: "Pro Bono Statement of Completion."

9. If you have any questions, please ask an Executive Board member. For your convenience, you may also submit questions to our e-mail address.