Top Ten Tips on Running the Pro Bono Society
1. Start planning early and have your projects for the semester pretty well organized
before signing up volunteers. If you don’t put students to work right away, interest dies
out.
2. Demand office space within the law school, no matter how small, and hold onto the
office space at all costs! It is necessary to have a computer, phone, and place for files in
order to run all of the PBS projects. The students, faculty, and administration also need
to recognize that PBS is not merely a student club, but rather an ongoing organization
with long-running projects and contacts throughout the community. Having the office
space helps give us that recognition.
3. Always apply to your student government for funding. No matter how small their
appropriation, every little bit helps. Also look to all the administrative offices and the
professors as well – everyone wants to support a good cause.
4. Assign a project coordinator to each pro bono project. One person cannot run all the
projects alone, and it is best for each project to have an involved leader who is the contact
person and liaison for both the students and the outside organization. Generally, the Pro
Bono Society is best run by committee rather than an individual, but the committee must
be small and in very close contact so that no one drops the ball. Realize and remember
that as a leader of the Pro Bono Society, there is a limit to how much actual volunteer
work you will be able to do. But the work you are doing running the organization is
invaluable. Without leadership, the student projects can’t happen
5. Get commitment forms from each volunteer. Although you cannot really enforce the
signed forms, committing to a minimum of one semester or for a set number of hours or
projects creates a sense of duty in the volunteer and assures the outside organization that
students will remain committed to the work. For an example, see attached commitment
form.
6. Law students are very busy people! Try to make project assignments small in terms of
commitment—for example, a 3-hour shift at a clinic or a research project that should take
no more than 5 hours. Let students know what they are getting themselves into and
remember that they can always sign up for multiple assignments.
7. Create projects that 1Ls can take part in as well. They do not yet have the tools to
volunteer research hours, but there are many things they can do. First year students are
very eager to get busy, so don’t leave them out!
8. Remember that law students have a lot of other things to do, so make projects more
appealing by including face-to-face time with local attorneys or judges. Remind them
that certain projects are a great way to interact with actual clients, or that pro bono
experience is a way to boost their resumes.
9. Show the volunteers that they are appreciated. Hold a Volunteer Appreciation Day at
the end of the semester and let them know throughout the semester that their work is
important.
10. Keep in touch with all involved parties. Routinely check in with your service
providers to make sure that the student volunteers are being helpful and to see if there’s
anything you can do to make a particular project more effective. Keep Law School
administration in the loop by occasionally updating them on your Pro Bono Society’s
accomplishments.