College of Law Pro Bono
The College of Law’s Pro Bono program is a community service organization with significant student leadership. Its mission is to help students develop an awareness of their future ethical and professional responsibilities as they provide service to their community. Under the direction of faculty and staff, students perform valuable community service while learning about the legal needs of the underserved. UT Pro Bono serves as a resource for attorneys and local legal aid societies by providing law students for research, educational, and investigatory assistance.
UT Law is a leader in the area of public interest and pro bono work through its clinics, doctrinal curricula, and student organizations. Since its formation in the mid-1990s, UT Pro Bono has grown and evolved to meet the needs of the community and student body. During the past few years, UT Pro Bono has experienced incredible growth in terms of the number of student participants, the number of external partners, the number of projects meeting gaps in the legal system, and faculty and administrative support of the program.
Currently, UT Pro Bono has ten active projects with community partners such as the Legal Aid of East Tennessee and Knox Area Rescue Ministry. Students who participate in UT Pro Bono contribute an average of 9,000 hours of pro bono service each year.
- Please note that UT Pro Bono is an organization comprised of students who are not yet licensed to practice law and therefore cannot represent or offer legal advice to individuals or organizations in legal matters. Legal assistance may be available to members of the public through Legal Aid of East Tennessee.
Practicing law with a true Volunteer spirit
The Supreme Court defines Pro Bono as any activity where free or reduced-fee legal services are provided without the expectation of a fee, or participation in activities for improving the law, the legal system, or the legal profession.
Pro bono service is a pillar of the legal profession. The Tennessee Supreme Court is actively working to expand pro bono services and access to justice. The UT Pro Bono Program has stepped up to the call for action.
Participation and Support
UT Pro Bono regularly seeks community assistance and support in three primary ways:
UT Pro Bono is a student run organization with students actively engaged in the work. The students have accomplished and continue to pursue many noble goals through the program. In order to provide true legal assistance, however, licensed attorneys are required to provide legal advice and oversight of pro bono projects.
UT Pro Bono is constantly searching for new projects to reach traditionally underserved groups in need.
As a volunteer organization comprised of students, UT Pro Bono is involved in fundraising in order to support its mission and goals. Examples of fundraising include charity auctions, pledge drives, and the annual fall Pro Bono Carnival. The funds raised through these activities go directly to support the efforts of UT Pro Bono and have been used to fund trips to help clients of pro bono projects.
Contact Us
UT Pro Bono
1505 W. Cumberland Ave.
Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
Phone: 865-974-6781
Email: rmorgan2@utk.edu
Contact Us
UT Pro Bono
1505 W. Cumberland Ave.
Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
Phone: 865-974-6781
Email: probono@utk.edu