A win-win: Pro bono lawyers before they're pros
Is U.S. job creation cooling? Credit: istock.com
New York will notch a national first next year when it requires new lawyers to do 50 hours of unpaid work as a condition for a license to practice in the state. It's an innovative initiative that should help meet the growing need among the poor and near poor for representation in civil matters such as foreclosures and evictions. Students and graduates can do the work under the supervision of school faculty, law firms or legal service organizations.
About 10,000 people pass the state bar exam each year. A few days' work for each will total half a million hours a year of services. Documentation must be provided to the court's appellate divisions for admission to the bar. Officials must ensure the work is real and appropriate. Done right, this could be a win-win, providing experience for new lawyers and legal assistance for people who need it.
