The Class of 2016 set new records this year for student participation and hours of service volunteered. Two hundred and one graduates contributed 68,369 pro bono hours, which almost doubled the previous high.
To celebrate their accomplishment, the law school held its Pro Bono Recognition Ceremony before a Washington Nationals game. Juris Doctor students who completed 60 hours or more of pro bono legal services and LLM students working 30 or more hours were recognized by the law school. Additionally, graduates who contributed more than 100 hours received further recognition from the Obama Administration and the university.
GW Law is committed to encouraging students to volunteer legal services. This commitment is reflected, in part, by the Pro Bono Program. By volunteering, students not only provide legal services in the public interest but also gain practical experience.
David Johnson, Assistant Dean for Pro Bono & Advocacy Programs, said, "This truly impressive accomplishment by the Class of 2016 reflects one of the core missions of GW Law's Pro Bono Program: to start the pro bono habit. If as a law student you begin to do this, it makes it that much easier to continue to make time to help others later in life when you have a family, a mortgage, and many other demands on your time."