Pro Bono and Community Service

There are numerous opportunities for students to engage in pro bono work throughout their time at Georgetown University Law Center. Georgetown Law students are fortunate to be attending law school in the "public interest capital of the world." No matter what issue or cause you are passionate about and regardless of which side of the political spectrum you lean toward, there is an organization somewhere in Washington, D.C. - probably several - focused on serving individuals affected by that issue or advocating on behalf of that cause.

First-year students are encouraged to find appropriate pro bono placements as soon as they are interested. Although first-years are qualified for fewer types of work, OPICS administers the 1L Pro Bono Project, a project that helps students find suitable placements requiring minimal time commitment and providing meaningful and appropriate pro bono opportunities for beginning law students. First-years are also able to participate in any community service volunteering. (For an explanation of the distinction between pro bono and community service, see the Pro Bono Pledge Requirements.)

The resources on this site are only a starting point. There are a large number of organizations engaged in work that might be of interest to you that don't utilize job listing databases or go through Georgetown Law to recruit for their open positions. If you don't feel drawn to any of the positions listed online, or if you are passionate about an issue that is not covered by these sources, please contact OPICS to make an appointment with the Director of Pro Bono Programs, Sara Jackson. She has experience working with local organizations and agencies and has contacts with the large network of alumni working in the D.C. metro area, and she can help you find a placement that is a good match for you and the organization.