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House of Representatives
Session of 2013 - 2014 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted: December 19, 2012 04:44 PM
From: Representative Madeleine Dean
To: All House members
Subject: Resolution Urging the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to Require the Completion of Pro Bono Work Prior to Practicing Law
 
In the near future, I plan to introduce a resolution urging the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to require aspiring lawyers to complete pro bono work prior to receiving a license to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Beginning in 2015, aspiring New York lawyers will be required to complete fifty hours of free legal service prior to practicing law. Although New York has taken the lead in establishing these requirements for bar admission, 21 national law schools already require students to complete pro bono work in order to fulfill graduation requirements, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. Since many aspiring lawyers currently provide free legal service prior to practicing law, I believe that Pennsylvania should mandate that all prospective Pennsylvania lawyers provide these essential services. This requirement will not only provide prospective lawyers with valuable and practical experience, communities and organizations impacted by the declining budgets of the Commonwealth will receive vital assistance to ensure that legal services are provided to all in need.

My resolution urges the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to require the completion of fifty hours of pro bono service prior to receiving a license to practice law in the Commonwealth. This service is to be provided to those individuals with limited financial means, non-profit organizations, civil right groups, and government entities.

If you would like to co-sponsor this resolution, please contact Deborah Brady at 717-783-7619 or email drbrady@pahouse.net.



Introduced as HR107