Pro bono publico (often shortened to pro bono) is a Latin phrase meaning “for the good of the people.” While public interest generally describes a career path of public service, including jobs in non-profit organizations and government agencies, pro bono is legal work that anyone on any career path can and should do. Pro bono is the provision of legal services at no charge to individuals who would not otherwise have access to those services. In this way, pro bono service promotes access to justice for all people, regardless of financial situation. Campbell Law School partners with community agencies, legal aid offices, alumni, and private attorneys to promote opportunities for students to get involved in pro bono service.
Every lawyer has a professional responsibility to provide legal services to those unable to pay. The North Carolina State Bar’s Rules of Professional Conduct state that lawyers should aspire to render at least fifty (50) hours of pro bono services each year without expectation of a fee to persons of limited means or to organizations that are designed to serve the needs of persons of limited means (NC RPC 6.1).
Students benefit from providing pro bono services by gaining practical skills and experience while helping individuals in need who could not otherwise afford legal services. Students have the opportunity to work alongside practicing attorneys and apply what they have learned in law school. Pro bono service allows students to give back to the community in a meaningful way while being exposed to different areas of the law. Students are recognized for their pro bono service by Campbell Law School and the North Carolina Bar Association if they contribute the minimum numbers hours required.
Legal Help for the Public
Campbell Law students are not permitted to provide legal advice or to perform legal services for members of the public. Students may only work under the direct supervision of a licensed attorney providing pro bono services or for a licensed attorney at an organization, after being screened and approved by the Director of Student Life & Pro Bono Opportunities. If you are seeking legal assistance, please contact your local Legal Aid Office or the N.C. Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service.
Legal Help for Attorneys
If you are an attorney and need a student volunteer to assist you with a pro bono project, please contact:
Regina Chavis
Assistant Dean of Student Life, Pro Bono Opportunities & Belonging
Contact (919) 865-4696 rchavis@campbell.edu