The NYS Pro Bono Scholars Program (PBSP) allows law students in their final year of law school to devote their last semester of study to performing pro bono service for the poor through an approved externship program, law school clinic, legal services provider, law firm or corporation. Eligible students approved by their law schools for the program take the NYS bar exam in February, and if they pass the exam, they can be admitted to practice upon graduation, allowing these future lawyers to get a head start on their career. The PBSP is a partnership among the Judiciary, the law schools and the profession with the goal of revitalizing legal education to adapt to society's changing needs. This option simultaneously better assists students in preparing for the actual practice of law, impresses upon them the value of public service at the start of their careers, and provides much-needed assistance to those of limited means in our state.
LawNY is grateful for the opportunity to work with these Scholars to help expand legal services available to clients by building organization capacity and providing hands-on experience in serving low-income clients with civil legal needs. This year's LawNY Pro Bono Scholars were:
Uche Polanco, Columbia Law School - Uche worked with our Geneva office and provided valuable research, case development and analysis on a variety of areas of poverty law.
Sara Zaprowski, University at Buffalo Law School - Sara worked closely with the Family Law unit in our Olean office and shadowed court appearances and trials, assisted with case development and research, and participated in client meetings.
Claire Xu, Cornell Law School - Claire provided assistance across our regional programs conducting research, drafting case pleadings and documents, interviewing clients, and working with local organizations to help with non-profit formation.
LawNY is continually impressed with the work that these Scholars provide, and we look forward to hosting many more in the future. To learn more about the PBSP, click here. If you would like to apply with LawNY, send an email to kmcgovern@lawny.org with your interest.
