The 50-Hour Pro Bono Requirement for the New York Bar

by: Kandice Thorn

UPDATE: The same day that this post was written, the Court of Appeals updated it's guidance with respect to the timing of the 50 hours for LL.M. students.  See "Can I Complete it Before Beginning the LL.M. Program?" below for the updated information.

As most of you know, the New York Court of Appeals recently approved a new rule that requires all applicants to the New York bar to complete 50 hours of pro bono service prior to admission.  I hope this post will alleviate some of the confusion surrounding this new requirement.


Who Must Complete This Requirement?

Anyone who seeks admission to the bar after January 2015 must complete the requirement.  Because of the time delay between passing the bar and applying for admission to the bar, we can safely say that if you pass the July 2014 or later bar exam, you must fulfill this requirement.  Thus, if you plan to sit for the July 2014 exam, you will definitely need to fulfill the requirement.  Students who plan to sit for the February 2014 exam should also keep this in mind just in case they do not pass the first time and must retake the bar exam in July 2014.

When Does it Need to be Completed?

It must be completed before you apply for admission to the bar.  You apply for admission after you are notified that you have passed the bar exam.

Can I Complete it Before Beginning the LL.M. Program? 

No, for students who do not hold a J.D. from a U.S. law school, the Court of Appeals has said that the hours of service must be completed after you begin your LL.M. studies.  Yes!  The Court of Appeals has just released new guidance that LL.M.s may complete the pro bono requirement up to one year before beginning the LL.M. program.

What Opportunities Exist for me to Fulfill this Requirement?

The following may provide options for LL.M. students to fulfill the pro bono requirement:

• Clinics (available for LL.M. students beginning Spring 2014)
• Externships with non-profit organizations (see law.fordham.edu/llm/extern for information about LL.M. externships)
• Work done with PIRC student groups (see law.fordham.edu/pirc)
• Work with organizations in your home country (if applicable)
• Projects listed with outside organizations, such as:
• http://www.probono.net/ny/oppsguide/
• PSJD - they distribute a newsletter listing opportunities specifically for international lawyers (for Fordham LL.M. students and alumni, I maintain a distribution list to forward this email; if you would like to be added to the distribution list, please email kthorn1@law.fordham.edu) 

Additional questions regarding the pro bono requirement are likely answered in the FAQ distributed by the Court of Appeals.