ACADEMICS

PRO BONO WORK

The Value of Practical Experience

Since our inception we have believed in the value of an education steeped in legal theory and practical experience, of which the pro bono involvement of our students is a critical component.

You have the opportunity to provide pro bono services in the community with nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and private law firms or practitioners. We also encourage students to develop new pro bono projects — for example, this is how our Veterans Legal Assistance Project started.

A woman with curly hair and glasses, wearing a light pink blazer and black top, stands at a podium with a monitor, smiling as she speaks in a classroom or conference setting.

Courtroom Advocacy Project (CAP)

Advocate for domestic violence victims seeking orders of protection.

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Unemployment Action Center (UAC)

Represent claimants seeking unemployment insurance benefits in administrative hearings. The Unemployment Action Center helps safeguard the equitable administration of labor law by providing representation and guidance through the unemployment insurance appeals process.

A man in a U.S. Army uniform shakes hands with a woman across a table indoors, with papers and a plaque visible in the background.

Veterans Legal Assistance Project (VLAP)

Help veterans initiate benefits claims and provide them with access to free legal services. VLAP produces bi-annual, pro-bono, student-run events aimed at providing basic legal guidance between the client and the attorney.

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Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA)

Receive training from the Internal Revenue Service to help prepare tax returns for low-income individuals.

Our Commitment to Pro Bono Work

Hofstra Law is committed to providing substantial opportunities for our students to engage in a wide range of pro bono activities during law school. This is consistent with our mission to prepare, challenge and inspire our students to make a difference in the world.

Students are encouraged to get involved in one of our existing pro bono projects and we invite students to propose new ideas for pro bono projects.

We are proud of the thousands of hours our students contribute to providing pro bono legal assistance in our community and around the world. In celebration of our students’ service, we honor graduating students who have devoted considerable time during their three years at Hofstra Law to public service. Students are recognized at the Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels.

Hofstra Law students looking for information about pro bono opportunities should contact Luciana DeCarlo, director of externships and pro bono programs, at (516) 463-0386 or send an email.

Individuals seeking pro bono representation should contact the Hofstra Law Clinic at (516) 463-5934 or send an email.

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