Directory
Saint Mary’s University School of Law
Saint Mary’s University School of Law
Law School Pro Bono Programs
Contact Information
Stephanie R. Harlien
Director of Pro Bono Programs
(210) 431-5713
F: (210) 431-5700
[email protected]
Category Type
Graduation Requirement Program - Public Service Graduation Requirement Program
Description of Programs
The Pro Bono Program creates opportunities for law students to engage in legal pro bono work and monitors compliance with the school’s public service graduation requirement.
All students are required to record thirty (30) hours of public service before graduation. No more than fifteen (15) of the service hours may be general community service hours with a qualifying non-profit or public entity. The student must be a volunteer and may not receive payment or course credit for the work performed. At least fifteen (15) hours of a student’s service requirement must be law school-approved hours. Law school-approved hours are defined as services provided by law students, without compensation or credit, performed under attorney supervision, to agencies, entities, or organizations that primarily address the needs of individuals and families of limited financial means; to public agencies engaged in legal work, including courts; or in connection with law-related activities and organizations approved by the Director of Pro Bono Programs.
Most of these opportunities are created through partnerships with other organizations such as San Antonio Legal Services Association, Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, Texas Legal Services Center, and other legal non-profits and legal services organizations.
Students who complete 100 hours of pro bono service, community service, or any combination thereof during their legal studies are eligible to receive the Pro Bono and Public Service Certificate at Commencement. One graduating student who demonstrates exceptional commitment to public service will be recognized with the Public Service Award at Commencement. Additionally, students in each level of study who demonstrate outstanding commitment and achievements in public service are eligible for recognition at the end of the academic year.
Current projects include Wills, Small Estate Planning, and Veteran’s Events; People’s Law School; Texas Legal Answers and Law Chat programs; Gender Affirmation and Alternatives to Guardianships Projects; St. Mary’s ID Recovery Program; Volunteer Income Tax Assistance; Peer Court; and Alternative Spring Break programs.
St. Mary's is also a member of Equal Justice Works which entitles our law students to compete for various fellowship positions.
The Program also offers career counseling to law students interested in pursuing public interest work and assistance in placement for other pro bono opportunities.
Location of Programs
Center for Legal and Social Justice is a standalone program within the law school.
Staffing/Management/Oversight
The Director of Pro Bono Programs is a dedicated staff position.
Funding
School of Law support for Public Interest Programs and outside funding.
Faculty and Administrative Pro Bono
None.
Awards/Recognition
Students are encouraged to apply, if eligible, to gain membership into the State Bar of Texas Pro Bono College upon completion of 50 hours of legal pro bono service per year.
Students who complete at least 100 hours of public and/or pro bono service are recognized at graduation with a St. Mary’s University Pro Bono and Public Service Certificate.
Each semester, a St. Mary’s student is recognized by the San Antonio Legal Services Association and AT&T’s Excellence in Pro Bono Legal Services Award
Alternative Winter or Spring Break Programs
St. Mary’s University School of Law’s Pro Bono Program organizes an annual Alternative Spring Break (ASB). ASB provides the opportunity for law students to practice and apply legal skills learned in the classroom, including advocacy, client interviewing, and supervised legal decision-making. It also exposes future lawyers to the dire legal needs and financial circumstances experienced by low-income members of the community and raises awareness about access to justice issues. At the same time, legal service providers, governmental agencies, and judges receive a team of skilled and enthusiastic volunteers who can leverage the provider’s time and relieve some of their workload. St. Mary’s ensures it offers students a mixture of both in person and remote placements so that students can choose an ASB site that works for them. Cities with participating organizations in the past include Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Denver, El Paso, Houston, Laredo, McAllen, New Orleans, San Antonio, and Washington D.C. St. Mary’s University School of Law Alumni Association plays a vital role in ensuring ASB continues to grow. Alumni host networking opportunities for ASB student volunteers during the week. Some connections made have led to summer job offers, internships, and post-graduate employment. Also, the alumni board continues to fund students’ hotel stays in cities outside San Antonio and provide stipends for gas cards.
Law School Public Interest Programs
Contact Information
Stephanie R. Harlien
Director of Pro Bono Programs
(210) 431-5713
F: (210) 431-5700
[email protected]
Certificate/Curriculum Programs
None.
Public Interest Centers
None.
PI Career Support Center
None.
Loan Repayment Assistance Programs (LRAP)
None.
Fellowships
None.
8/3/2023