Drexel University College of Law
Drexel University College of Law
3320 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
www.drexel.edu/law
Contact Information
Karen Pearlman, Esq.Associate Director for Public Interest Programs
kpearlman@drexel.edu
215-571-4722
Category Type
Pro Bono Graduation Requirement Program
Description of Programs
The motto of Drexel University College of Law, Scientia, Ars, Officium - Knowledge, Skill, Duty - reflects the goals Drexel has for its law student graduates. The third element of our school's mission, Officium , means "the duty to the public good owed by a public official." For Drexel, it is an essential element of the College of Law because it recognizes the lawyer's obligation to serve the public good by providing uncompensated legal service to people and organizations that cannot afford to retain lawyers."Pro Bono Publico" service, "For the Public Good," is at the heart of the legal profession. Providing pro bono service to individuals or groups traditionally underserved by the private bar is the focus of Drexel's mandatory 50 hour Pro Bono Service Requirement. Students will make an immediate impact in the world by helping those most in need. In addition, the program strives to educate students about their ethical responsibility to provide assistance and improve access to legal services throughout their professional careers. Finally, the program highlights public service opportunities that students may want to pursue as a career path.
The Pro Bono Service Requirement complements Drexel's long and proud tradition of integrating classroom experience with the real-world environment. Under close supervision, students will develop their legal skills and gain practical, hands-on, experience in a real work setting. The Pro Bono Service Requirement is a vital part of Drexel's curriculum and demonstrates the Faculty and Administration's commitment to professionalism.
In order to qualify for credit towards the requirement, the pro bono service must be law-related. In addition, students may not receive financial compensation or academic credit for providing pro bono service. Moreover, a licensed attorney or other qualified supervisor must adequately supervise and review any and all work. The service must be:
- on behalf of people who cannot afford to pay for legal services, have limited access to legal services, or are underserved by the private bar, or
- aimed at protecting the rights of an individual or individuals in situations raising important public interest con¬cerns and/or important rights belonging to a significant and underserved segment of the public.
Location of Programs
The Pro Bono Service Program is administered out of the Pro Bono Service Office, which is housed within the Law School . The Pro Bono Service Requirement is one of the three prongs of Experiential Learning at Drexel Law School (Co-Op, Clinics, and Pro Bono Requirement.)
Staffing/Management/Oversight
Drexel's Pro Bono Program is administered under the auspices of the Associate Dean for Experiential Learning. Program initiatives are developed and implemented by a full-time Public Interest Director. Additional staff support is provided by a full-time Pro Bono Coordinator.
Funding
The Pro Bono Program is fully funded by the Law School. An IOLTA Grant is currently pending.
Student Run Pro Bono Groups/Specialized Law Education
Projects
SPIN - Student Public Interest Network
Faculty and Administrative Pro Bono
Currently there is no faculty pro bono requirement.
Awards/Recognition
Students who exceed the 50 hour requirement will be listed in the honors section of the graduation material. Students will receive a certificate based on the total number of the hours completed: Service Honors (51-100 hours), Outstanding Service Honors (101-150 hours), and Exceptional Service Honors (150+ hours). Additionally, students will be recognized at a public service awards ceremony.
Community Service
Community Service is encouraged, but does not qualify towards the 50 hour pro bono service requirement.
Law School Public Interest
Programs
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Contact Information
Karen Pearlman, Esq.Associate Director for Public Interest Programs
kpearlman@drexel.edu
215-571-4722
Certificate/Curriculum Programs
Public Interest Centers
Public Interest Clinics
Drexel Law is in the early stages of developing its in-house clinic. During the 2008-09 academic year, Drexel intends to offer at least two in-house clinics, which would accommodate approximately 16 students each (32 students total) during that year.
Externships/Internships
Drexel Law's signature experiential program is its Co-op Program, which is being developed for implementation beginning in the Fall of 2007. The Co-op Program bears some similarities to externship programs at other law schools. Co-ops are field placements for which law students earn academic credit, rather than pay. They are a part of the academic curriculum of the law school rather than paid positions.The Co-op Program at Drexel Law differs significantly from externship programs at most law schools in several respects. First, the students can earn an unusually high amount of academic credit - 14 credits over 20 weeks - for their participation in the program. While on Co-op, Drexel law students will only have to take an additional 4 credits, meaning that they will be able to devote much of their time and energy to their work in the field.
Drexel boasts over 25 Public Interest Co-op Placements.
Classes with a Public Service Component
Public Interest Journals
Public Interest Career Support Center
Drexel has a career counselor to provide advice for students considering a career path in public interest law.
Loan Repayment Assistance Programs (LRAP)
Drexel is currently establishing an LRAP ProgramPost-Graduate Fellowships/Awards
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Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Sources:
Term Time Fellowships/Scholarships
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Summer Fellowships
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Graduate Student Funded:
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Extracurricular and Co-Curricular Programs
Student Public Interest Groups
SPIN - Student Public Interest Network
