Pro Bono Service Program: Mission Statement

The motto of the Earle Mack School 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 goal 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 the development of professionalism in its students.


Pro Bono Service Program: Handbook
Download the Pro Bono Service Handbook


Pro Bono Service Program: Forms
Please download the following forms and submit to the Associate Director for Public Interest Programs.

- Project Registration
- Student Timesheet
- Student Evaluation
- Supervisor's Evaluation


Disclaimer for Those Seeking Legal Advice
Drexel’s College of Law Pro Bono Service Program cannot offer direct legal help to the general public. Drexel Law Students may only work under the guidance of a licensed attorney at an approved program placement or organization. If you are seeking assistance with a legal problem, please refer to the Philadelphia Bar Association’s Online Referral Service or the Directory of Public Interest Legal Organizations.