Pro Bono Requirement

Loyola’s dedication to public service is reflected in the 40-hours of pro bono work that students are required to complete during their law school careers. While the task seemed daunting at first, I quickly realized that there are so many different ways to satisfy the pro bono requirement. Whether it be joining a clinic or volunteering at events, there was something for everyone.

Not only does the pro bono work encourage student participation, but it also gives law students a chance to either apply their legal knowledge and give back to the community in which they will ultimately practice law. All the while, students are also gaining invaluable experience and putting their learning to practical use.

Knowing the importance of mediation in the litigation process, I decided early on that I wanted to work at Loyola’s Center for Conflict Resolution in the Conciliation and Mediation Assistance Clinic (CMAC). After finding out about the various graduation requirements, I was even more excited to find out that participation in the clinic satisfied the experiential learning units as well as all 40 pro bono hours.

Led by Professors Mary Culbert and Sara Campos, the clinic teaches students about the ins and outs of the mediation process and then lets students actually participate in telephonic conciliations and in-person mediations. Working at the clinic, I learned from the staff mediators and saw many mediations in-person. I learned about the different kinds of mediations and techniques that mediators may employ. Leaving the clinic, I gained an even deeper appreciation for mediation as part of the legal process and its importance in resolving cases.