Build Practical Skills and Find Your Passion
Working on pro bono (volunteer) projects is a rewarding way to build practical legal skills—and discover where your legal passions lie. You will serve clients in need, gain valuable hands-on experience, and may earn official recognition.
Real Life. Real Law. What You Will do.
While no two pro bono projects are exactly alike, here is some of what you can expect to do.
Work directly with clients
Draft legal documents
Conduct Research
Observe or Assist
In Court
Contribute policy advocacy or reform
Who We Work With
Our students engage in pro bono work through our academic centers and student organizations, as well as through external organizations. Here are just a few examples:
Business and Human Rights Project
Holds corporations accountable for actions that negatively impact human rights by providing testimony before the state government, conducting research with the Institute for Human Rights and Business, and participating in dialogue fostered by the United Nations.
Criminal Justice Project
Pursues litigation, legislation, education, and policy reform to make the criminal justice system fairer for low-income individuals.
Sanctuary City Initiative
Informs and supports local communities, cities, counties, and states as they consider how best to protect all the residents within their communities, regardless of immigration status.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program
Offers free tax return preparation help to those in need, in partnership with the national program.
Women’s and Children’s Advocacy Project
Concentrates on safeguarding victims of domestic and sexual violence by ensuring shelters and crisis centers stay informed about current laws and by identifying and modifying inappropriate language in court opinions.
Stories of Success
“Choosing a law school with a part-time program enabled me to pursue my dream of becoming an attorney and provided the flexibility to build my Résumé through full-time internships, clinics, and employment.”
“I was able to experience what life is really like as counsel for an international corporation.”
“Our graduates stay, grow their careers, and help build our communities. We’re woven into the fabric of New England.”
“There are hundreds of law schools to choose from, but very few of them leave the impression New England Law does on its students.”
Earn Recognition for Your Work
On the Massachusetts Supreme Court Pro Bono Honor Rolls
Work at least fifty hours of qualifying pro bono work as a law school student and you will be recognized with other deserving law students throughout the state. For the 2024-2025 academic year, 26 New England Law Students earned this honor.
Through New England Law
Work at least twenty-five hours of qualifying pro bono work and you will earn formal recognition on your law school transcript.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find pro bono work?
New England Law students participate in pro bono projects through our academic centers and student organizations, as well as through external organizations, making the first two good places to start.
Is pro bono work just for students interested in practicing public interest law?
There are pro bono opportunities in virtually every facet of the legal profession, from business law and trusts and estates to tax, criminal and international law.
Can I highlight pro bono work on my resume?
Yes. Qualifying students will receive formal recognition for their work on their school transcript and may receive other honors.
Who should I contact if I need assistance finding the right pro bono opportunity?
Patrick Niebauer, Career Services Assistant Director and Pro Bono Coordinator, helps students with pro bono, public interest and government opportunities.
Contact Us
New England Law Admissions staff is here to help you through the application process. If you have any questions, please complete the form below or contact the Office of Admissions at admit@nesl.edu or call 617-422-7210.