Indiana University School of Law, Indianapolis
Indiana University
Indiana University School of Law, Indianapolis
530 West New York Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
www.indylaw.indiana.edu
Law School Pro Bono Programs
Contact Information
LaWanda WardDirector of Pro Bono & Public Interest
lwward@iupui.edu
(317) 278-9241
Category Type
Formal Voluntary Pro Bono Program Characterized by a Referral System with a Coordinator
Description of Program
The School of Law established the Pro Bono Program in 1993 to introduce law students to the professional obligation of attorneys, the benefits of providing public service, and to recognize the needs of the under-represented in society. As a Pro Bono Program participant, students volunteer on supervised projects for non-profit organizations, government agencies, and individual attorneys doing unpaid legal work. The work must benefit the under-served, under-represented, or organizations with limited resources. The Pro Bono Program is open to all IU-Indianapolis law students who have completed their first semester of classes. See www.indylaw.indiana.edu/career/probono.htm
Location of Program
Office of Career Services. See www.indylaw.indiana.edu/career/probono.htm
Staffing/Management/Oversight
LaWanda WardDirector of Pro Bono & Public Interest
lwward@iupui.edu
(317) 278-9241
Funding
Student Run Pro Bono Groups/Specialized Law Education Projects
Equal Justice Works – Street Law Program-Law students taught at risk high school students basic concepts of law.Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program – VITA is a student-run pro bono organization with participation limited to law students. VITA is a volunteer service that provides free income tax preparation to the elderly and disadvantaged. Training is provided. The majority of the commitment occurs during the tax season in the spring semester.
Faculty and Administrative Pro Bono
Awards/Recognition
Each spring, graduating students who have contributed 50 or more pro bono hours are invited to a Pro Bono Program Recognition Reception where each person receives a certificate and students who contributed 200+ hours are given awards. Family, friends, legal community agencies, faculty, and the judiciary are all invited to attend. The John Paul Berlon Award, named after a 2000 graduate, is given to a graduating student who has contributed a significant amount of time.There are three levels of recognition for the Pro Bono Program: Bronze (50-99 hours), Silver (100-199) and Gold (200+). In 2003, the gold level recognition level was changed to the Norman Lefstein Award of Excellence in commemoration of the Pro Bono Program's 10 year anniversary.
At the beginning of the graduation program, the dean requests that all graduating students who have contributed 50 or more hours to the Pro Bono Program stand and receive applause. Also, students who have contributed 50 or more hours are listed in the graduation program by levels of contribution. Bronze level (50-99 hours) Silver (100-199) and Gold (200+ hours)
Community Service
Law School Public Interest Programs
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Contact Information
LaWanda WardDirector of Pro Bono & Public Interest
lwward@iupui.edu
(317) 278-9241
Office of Professional Development
Certificate/Curriculum Programs
Public Interest Centers
Public Interest Clinics
Civil Practice ClinicCriminal Defense Law Clinic – Information on all 3 clinics can be found at: http://www.indylaw.indiana.edu/courses/clinics.cfm
Disability Clinic
Externships/Internships
Classes with a Public Service Component
Public Interest Journals
Public Interest Career Assistance
Loan Repayment Assistance Programs (LRAP)
Post-Graduate Fellowships/Awards
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Sources:
Term Time Fellowships/Scholarships
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Sources:
Summer Fellowships
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Sources:
Equal Justice Works student group awards summer scholarships to students who have accepted social justice positions with no pay. The amounts vary based on the amount of funds raised during the school year.
Florence Roisman Summer Scholarship - named in honor of a current professor who advocates for social justice. Donations are made by faculty and administrators around the country in her honor.
Extracurricular and Co-Curricular Programs
Norman Amaker Retreat – http://indylaw.indiana.edu/clinics/amaker/retreat.htm
Student Public Interest Groups
Equal Justice Works – Homelessness Awareness panel discussion that attracted over 100 students, community members, and attorneys.
