Pro Bono Program
As the nation’s first voluntary Pro Bono Program at a U.S. law school, South Carolina
Law is proud to uphold a tradition of service to those who need it most. The program
connects legal education to real-world experience, providing students with opportunities
to serve while building critical skills and professional insight.
About Our Pro Bono Program
For nearly 30 years, our students have supported a wide range of projects that make
a meaningful impact across the state. Pro bono publico in Latin translates to, "for the public good." For lawyers, this means providing
legal services to people in need.
Expand all For Current Law Students
The Pro Bono Program is open to all USC School of Law students, regardless of graduation
year. Participation is entirely voluntary, but students are encouraged to follow the
American Bar Association's guidance of contributing 50 hours of service per year.
By engaging in pro bono work, students can:
Explore potential career paths
Develop lasting legal skills
Build professional networks
Make a difference in the lives of others
Getting Started:Jefferson Coulter , visit the Pro Bono Office in Room 129-B, or connect with a Student Board Member .
All participants must agree to abide by the Ethical and Professionalism Guidelines for USC Law Students Engaged in Pro Bono Work .
Please note: Students are not licensed attorneys and cannot offer legal advice. All
work must be supervised by a licensed South Carolina attorney.
For Members of the Bar
Interested in mentoring or working with our student volunteers? Carolina Clerks connects attorneys handling pro bono matters with law students who are eager to assist.
Benefits of partnering with us:
Access to motivated, capable student volunteers
Support for your pro bono caseload
Opportunity to mentor future legal professionals
All students must work under the supervision of a licensed South Carolina attorney
and follow the program’s ethical guidelines.
In addition, all USC School of Law Pro Bono volunteers must read and agree to abide
by an understanding of the ethical and professional obligations (Ethical and Professionalism Issues for USC School of Law Students Engaged in Pro Bono
Work ) that may arise during their pro bono work.
Learn more about how you can collaborate with Carolina Clerks by contacting Jefferson Coulter
For Future Students
Considering South Carolina Law? The Pro Bono Program is a proud part of our academic
mission. We invite you to explore our projects and see how public service is woven
into the law school experience.
Questions or ideas? Feel free to contact Jefferson Coulter to learn how you can be part of this legacy of service.
For Alumni
As a graduate of South Carolina Law, you are a part of the legacy of the nation’s
first voluntary law school pro bono program. We’d love to hear how you’re continuing
your commitment to service.
Share your story with us
Follow along with program updates on our social media
Let us know how we can support your pro bono efforts today
Together, we can continue building a strong culture of service for the next generation
of lawyers. Feel free to contact Jefferson Coulter regarding anything listed above.
For the Public
Volunteers in the Pro Bono Program are current law students. They are not attorneys
and, by law, cannot provide legal advice, such as:
Reviewing or preparing documents
Conducting legal research on your behalf
Representing you in any legal matters
If you are in need of legal help, please contact South Carolina Legal Services or consult a licensed attorney.
The range of opportunities to serve is varied and ever changing. Details about the
different efforts are listed under the Volunteer Opportunities .
Opportunities
Our law students work with worthy organizations like these through our Pro Bono Program:
Commission on Lawyer Conduct: Office of Appellate Defense
Lexington County Juvenile Arbitration Program
Richland County Bar Association — HELP Homeless Clinic
Richland County CASA — Court Appointed Special Advocates
Richland County Probate Court
SC Appleseed Legal Justice Center
SC Bar — My Will Project and Friday Blitz
SC Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts
View the complete list of partner organizations
View the complete list of partner organizations
After donating some time with our Pro Bono event. You can log the hour you worked
here.
Jefferson Coulter 1525 Senate Street Columbia, SC 29208
Program Spotlight
South Carolina Law students have the opportunity to travel across the state on the
Palmetto LEADER, a fully operational mobile law office.
Learn more about the Palmetto Leader
