Cecily Zamora
The University of Tennessee College of Law, also known as UT Law or Winston College of Law, has a strong tradition of pro bono work. The college's Pro Bono Program is a student-run, volunteer organization that partners with community organizations to provide free or reduced-fee legal services. While UT Law students are not yet licensed to practice law, they contribute thousands of hours of pro bono service each year under the supervision of licensed attorneys and faculty members. The college offers a range of clinics and courses that allow students to gain practical experience in various legal areas, including criminal justice, family law, immigration, and public interest law. UT Law's commitment to pro bono work and public service has been recognized by the Tennessee Supreme Court, which actively works to expand access to justice for all.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pro bono work | Public interest and pro bono work through clinics, doctrinal curricula, and student organizations |
| Year of Formation | Mid-1990s |
| Projects | 10 active projects with community partners such as Legal Aid of East Tennessee and Knox Area Rescue Ministry |
| Student Participants | 32 students from the class of 2018 |
| Hours Contributed | 9,000 hours of pro bono service each year on average; the class of 2018 contributed more than 11,000 hours during their college careers |
| Student Status | Students are not yet licensed to practice law and cannot offer legal advice |
| Student Work | Assisting with immigration matters, criminal justice, family law, contract compliance, nonprofit formation, legal aid, and more |
| Faculty Involvement | Faculty and staff direct the volunteer student organization; clinical faculty guide, mentor, and challenge students |
| Curriculum | Courses and curricular activities are available for public interest-minded students; a public interest capstone project has been introduced to the first-year legal research and writing curriculum |
| Recognition | The Tennessee Supreme Court recognized 47 recent graduates for their commitment to pro bono service throughout their law school careers |
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What You'll Learn
The University of Tennessee College of Law's Pro Bono Program
The University of Tennessee College of Law Pro Bono Program offers students the opportunity to engage in pro bono legal work and gain hands-on experience while providing much-needed legal services to underserved communities. The program is student-run, with students actively engaged in the work under the direction of faculty and staff.
UT Pro Bono was formed in the mid-1990s and has since grown significantly, currently partnering with ten community organizations, including Legal Aid of East Tennessee and Knox Area Rescue Ministry. Students who participate in the program contribute an average of 9,000 hours of pro bono service each year, with the class of 2018 serving more than 11,000 hours during their college careers.
Through the program, students work with licensed attorneys to assist clients with a range of legal matters, including immigration, criminal justice, family law, contract compliance, nonprofit formation, and legal aid. They also gain experience in client interviewing, factual investigation, case development, negotiation, and trial preparation and presentation.
One example of the program's impact is the alternative spring break trip in 2018, where students worked with a Johnson City credit union to assist in forming a non-profit. Additionally, students have assisted in drafting and revising legal documents such as wills and advance directives for economically disadvantaged clients.
The University of Tennessee College of Law Pro Bono Program is committed to meeting the needs of the community while providing valuable educational and practical experiences for its students. The program's growth and recognition by the Tennessee Supreme Court demonstrate its success and impact in the legal field.
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Students cannot offer legal advice
The University of Tennessee College of Law, also known as UT Law or UT Pro Bono, is a leader in public interest and pro bono work. The program has grown over the years to meet the needs of the community and student body. UT Pro Bono is a student-run organization that works with licensed attorneys to provide legal services to underserved groups.
UT Pro Bono has ten active projects with community partners such as the Legal Aid of East Tennessee and Knox Area Rescue Ministry. Students who participate in the program contribute an average of 9,000 hours of pro bono service each year. However, it is important to note that UT Pro Bono is an organization comprised of students who are not yet licensed to practice law. Therefore, they cannot represent or offer legal advice to individuals or organizations in legal matters.
Pro bono, short for pro bono publico, is a Latin phrase that means "for the public good." In the legal profession, it refers specifically to the offering of free legal services to those who cannot afford them. Pro bono work is important because it helps to level the playing field for individuals who are unable to pay for legal representation. By providing pro bono services, lawyers can give full access to the legal system to those who need it.
While students at UT Law cannot offer legal advice, they can still gain valuable experience and skills through their participation in pro bono work. They work under the direction of licensed attorneys and faculty members, assisting with research, drafting documents, and other tasks. This hands-on experience allows students to see how lawyers operate in the real world and can expose them to different areas of legal practice.
In addition to gaining practical experience, students who engage in pro bono work can also contribute to their community and make a positive impact on the lives of others. They can assist individuals and organizations struggling with real-life legal issues and challenges, helping to expand access to justice. Furthermore, pro bono work can provide networking opportunities and lay the groundwork for future professional connections and career paths.
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Tennessee Supreme Court recognised students for pro bono work
The Tennessee Supreme Court has an extensive recognition program to honour students and attorneys who perform pro bono work. The goal of the program is to increase the number of attorneys and law offices providing pro bono services to those who cannot afford legal costs. The Court formally recognizes mediators and attorneys who meet the minimum goal of 50 pro bono hours annually and names them "Mediators for Justice" or "Attorneys for Justice". The Tennessee Supreme Court and Access to Justice Commission are also re-energizing the Law Students for Justice pro bono recognition program.
The University of Tennessee College of Law has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to pro bono service. In 2020, the Tennessee Supreme Court recognized 47 recent graduates of the college for their dedication to pro bono work throughout their law school careers. The students contributed an average of 9,000 hours of pro bono service each year, with the class of 2018 serving more than 11,000 pro bono hours during their college careers. The University of Tennessee College of Law offers a variety of opportunities for students to engage in pro bono work, including the UT Pro Bono Program, a student-run organization that collaborates with community partners such as Legal Aid of East Tennessee and Knox Area Rescue Ministry.
The UT Pro Bono Program has experienced significant growth in recent years, with an increasing number of student participants, external partners, and projects addressing gaps in the legal system. The program seeks to provide legal assistance to traditionally underserved groups and ensures that licensed attorneys oversee pro bono projects. UT Law students have worked on a diverse range of projects, including assisting with immigration matters, criminal justice, family law, contract compliance, nonprofit formation, and legal aid. They have also partnered with organizations like the Southeast Immigrant Freedom Initiative and the Appalachian Community Federal Credit Union to provide valuable services.
The University of Tennessee College of Law also offers a range of courses and curricular activities for students interested in public interest law. The first-year legal research and writing curriculum includes a public interest capstone project, allowing students to research and address legal issues relevant to legal service providers. Additionally, the Judicial Externship program assigns law students to work in state and federal trial and appellate courts, where they gain valuable experience as judicial clerks. The college maintains a strong focus on pro bono work and access to justice, as evidenced by their sponsorship of journals such as The Tennessee Journal of Race, Gender & Social Justice, which explores legal issues affecting diverse communities.
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Pro bono work in six locations
The University of Tennessee College of Law's Pro Bono Program has been recognised by the Tennessee Supreme Court for its service. The program is student-run and has grown to meet the needs of the community and student body. The students are not yet licensed to practice law, but they contribute an average of 9,000 hours of pro bono service each year.
In 2018, the UT Law class served more than 11,000 pro bono hours during their college careers. Thirty-two students spent their spring break week logging more than 600 hours of pro bono service across six locations, from Louisiana to North Carolina.
- Cherokee, North Carolina: Students visited the tribal offices of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to educate tribal members on child custody cases and clarify jurisdiction under the Indian Civil Rights Act.
- Three Tennessee locations: Students assisted legal aid organisations in Knoxville and Nashville with research and client intake.
- Gray, Tennessee: Students helped the Appalachian Community Federal Credit Union form a non-profit organisation to better serve its clients and communities.
- Louisiana: Students travelled to a detention centre in Jena, Louisiana, that houses immigrants taken into custody by ICE. They partnered with the Southeast Immigrant Freedom Initiative to screen cases of detainees who could be released on bond and drafted pleadings and documents to support their release.
- Fort Campbell, Kentucky: Students assisted service members facing deployment by helping them prepare wills and next-of-kin notifications.
- Johnson City: Students worked with a credit union to assist in forming a non-profit organisation.
The University of Tennessee College of Law offers a range of courses and extracurricular activities that encourage pro bono work and public interest. For example, the Judicial Externship program assigns law students to work in state and federal trial and appellate courts, where they gain practical legal experience. The University also maintains a page dedicated to pro bono topics and sponsors journals that explore legal issues, such as race, gender, and social justice.
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Transactional Law Clinic
The University of Tennessee College of Law's Transactional Law Clinic is a six-credit course offered during the fall and spring semesters. The clinic provides free legal representation to the East Tennessee community, while also giving law students hands-on experience in business and nonprofit law.
The Transactional Law Clinic is one of seven clinics offered through the UT College of Law's nationally ranked Legal Clinic and is the only one focused on business law. It is taught by Professors Eric Amarante and Brian Krumm. Students in the clinic serve as lawyers for low-income individuals and organizations who would otherwise be unable to afford legal counsel. The clinic focuses on transactional legal matters, including drafting and negotiating contracts, securing intellectual property rights, and obtaining trademark legal services.
The Transactional Law Clinic provides students with the opportunity to acquire essential skills, training, and experience in representing clients in transactional matters. This experience is transferable to various practice areas. The clinic also allows students to build relationships with clients and gain a better understanding of legal concepts.
The University of Tennessee College of Law's commitment to pro bono work is evident through its various initiatives. The college offers a range of courses and curricular activities for students interested in public interest law, and its Pro Bono Program actively seeks community assistance and support. The college's Legal Clinic has also demonstrated its dedication to serving communities of color affected by systemic racism through its Racial Justice Listening Project.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the University of Tennessee College of Law has a Pro Bono Program that is still active and has been since the mid-1990s.
Students work with licensed attorneys to assist clients with immigration matters, criminal justice, family law, contract compliance, nonprofit formation, and legal aid. They do not offer legal advice or representation as they are not yet licensed to practice law.
UTK Pro Bono has 10 active projects with community partners, including the Legal Aid of East Tennessee, Knox Area Rescue Ministry, and the Southeast Immigrant Freedom Initiative.
