Pro Bono Pledge Program

Interested students, at any point between their start date and the end of their final semester, may pledge online.

• By signing the Pledge, you commit to contribute at least 100 hours of pro bono legal and volunteer services during your enrollment at Seattle University School of Law. (50 hours for part-time students; 30 hours for masters/LLM students)
• By signing the Pledge you also acknowledge that you have reviewed the relevant rules of professional responsibility.
• Although we encourage all students to participate, the Pledge Program is voluntary and there are no penalties for not enrolling or for enrolling and later not completing your pledged goals.
• 75 of 100 hours (or 75% total hours) must be considered legal pro bono activity. The remaining hours may include a broader range of community volunteer (public service) activity. See our guidelines for eligible activities.
• To stay on track for graduation and to be considered for yearly recognition by ATJI and the Dean's Office, we suggest target goals for each year:
  • 20 hours during 1L Year (starting with your first day of classes)
  • 40 hours during 2L year (including the summer before 2L year)
  • 40 hours during 3L year (including the summer before 3L year)
  • Part-time students are asked to complete 1/2 the hours of their full-time counterparts.
• Even if you are not ready to start pro bono work, we encourage all students considering pro bono to sign the Pledge to stay connected to opportunities and information. You will still be able to include eligible activity completed before you signed the Pledge.

There is a wide range of pro bono and volunteer activity out there, and we can help you find the right opportunity. is a great place to start!

Eligibility

To be eligible for the pledge, work must be:

• For a nonprofit or public entity
• On behalf of individuals or groups who are underserved or of limited means (or for organizations that serve those individuals or groups)
• Uncompensated
• Not for academic credit (with some credit or compensation exceptions)
• Completed while you are enrolled at Seattle U Law (or during summers).
• Supervised by an attorney or law faculty member (certain exceptions described in our guidelines for eligible activities).
• For more definitions and details about what activity is eligible, visit our Pro Bono Pledge FAQ.

Find an Opportunity

• Access to Justice Institute ConnectSU
• Resources to help you find an opportunity

Already Volunteering?

• You do not need to obtain advance approval for participation
• Contact ATJI with eligibility questions

Additional considerations

• 1Ls: While 1Ls are encouraged to participate in the Pro Bono Program, we recognize the time constraints and pressures of the first year of law school, and encourage all first year students to be thoughtful about taking on additional responsibilities and identifying placements that do not necessarily require advanced research, writing, or client skills.
• Professional Responsibility:
  • Since the Pledge is voluntary, there are no penalties if you pledge but then later do not meet your pledge goals. However, it is extremely important to fulfill any obligations you have made with an external organization, supervisor, or client, and to be communicative and professional if you are unable to meet those commitments. Volunteer positions should be treated with the same level of professionalism and preparedness that you would bring to a job. If you are struggling to meet the obligations of your volunteer placement, please talk to your supervisors and/or to an ATJI staff member.
  • We strongly encourage all students to take advantage of the volunteer and pro bono resources that are available at your host entity and the law school. Please be mindful of the relevant rules of professional responsibility and consider trainings that can help you to effectively work with the constituents or communities impacted by your work. Through its ATJI ConnectSU portal and weekly newsletter, The Link, ATJI lists many relevant trainings and resources on these items as well as trainings on substantive areas of law.
    Other sources include:
    • Center for Professional Development (CPD)
    • The ABA's Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service
    • The King County Bar Association's guidelines for professional courtesy