Law School recognized for continued commitment to pro bono services

Baylor Law School was selected to receive the 2015 American Bar Association (ABA) Pro Bono Publico Award, making it only the third law school in the nation to be honored with the award since 1984.

Each year, the ABA Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service presents five awards to individual lawyers and institutions in the legal profession that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to volunteer legal services for the poor and disadvantaged. Since 2010, Baylor Law School students have devoted more than 3,600 recorded hours to pro bono efforts.

“We believe that it is our duty as professionals to assist our neighbors in their time of need. With so many of our fellow Americans unable to afford legal services, we believe it is a key part of our mission at Baylor Law School to educate our students about the importance of pro bono work,” said Baylor Law Dean Brad Toben. “We hope that in serving citizens in need we will ignite a fire in the hearts of our Baylor Law students that will grow as they go forward in their legal careers.”

Baylor Law School has devoted meaningful resources to create opportunities for students to assist with the delivery of quality pro bono legal services to the community regardless of their ability to pay for the services. Since the Law School began tracking efforts through clinics and programs, approximately 380 people have been or are being represented in legal matters or cases, and approximately 125 clients have received legal advice.

“From the beginning of their education, we help our students understand and embrace becoming servant leaders,” Toben said. “This theme, which starts at the first-year orientation, continues through graduation. We have endeavored to create innovative partnerships among local lawyers, legal services providers and law students to accomplish our goal of serving as many in our community as possible.”