Living the Mission: How Seattle U Law Fosters a Culture of Pro Bono Service

At Seattle University School of Law, pro bono work isn’t just an extracurricular activity, it’s a core part of the school’s identity and a defining element of each student’s legal education. From the moment students walk through the doors, they are invited to become part of a powerful tradition of service, advocacy, and community engagement.

Starting Strong: Pro Bono from Day One

Seattle U Law introduces students to pro bono opportunities right at the beginning through the Access to Justice Institute’s (ATJI) programs starting with the Pro Bono Pledge Program. This initiative encourages students to commit to at least 100 hours of pro bono or community-based service before graduation. It’s more than a number—it’s a framework that helps students build service into their law school journey from the start.

ATJI’s bi-weekly Link Newsletter keeps students informed about current opportunities, trainings, and events, while Social Justice Mondays immerse students in real-time legal issues and advocacy efforts. These weekly seminars not only educate but also connect students with active pro bono projects and justice-focused organizations working on the ground.

For 1L’s seeking a deeper commitment, ATJI’s First Year Fellows Program provides a year-long, structured experience with mentorship, professional development, and early exposure to the public interest legal community. These multiple entry points ensure every student can engage with pro bono in a way that aligns with their interests and goals.

Hands-On Learning Through Pro Bono Projects

Seattle U Law offers a rich array of pro bono experiences that go beyond the classroom. Through school-based clinics, the Paladin platform, and ATJI’s coordination, students gain real-world skills while making meaningful contributions.

A great example is Pro Bono Days, coordinated by ATJI, which can bring students and attorneys together for impactful training and service. Last month, Developmental Disability Administrative Appeal Project (DDAAP) trained law students and lawyers across Washington to represent individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in administrative appeals. Attendees committed to taking on two cases each—a direct pipeline from training to service.

Most recently, ATJI’s Pro Bono Day: Working with Immigrant Youth, was held in partnership with Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) and the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP). Students and attorneys received training on interpreter use, ethics, and client-centered advocacy for unaccompanied minors. These events create collaborative, practical experiences where students earn Pledge hours and attorneys earn CLE credits.

ATJI’s ongoing outreach ensures a steady stream of new projects by listening to community needs and matching them with student interests, helping to sustain a dynamic culture of justice-driven work.

Supporting Student-Led Innovation

One of the most empowering aspects of pro bono at Seattle U Law is that students don’t just participate—they lead. ATJI actively supports student-initiated projects, offering mentorship, logistical support, and connections to community partners.

A recent success story is the Seattle University Post-Conviction Appellate Alliance (SUPAA), which partnered with the Washington Innocence Project to host a Pro Bono Day focused on wrongful conviction work. ATJI helped organize and promote the event. The project was so impactful that SUPAA’s president and ATJI were jointly honored as 2024–2025 Partners in Justice by the Washington Innocence Project.

This kind of institutional support empowers students to identify unmet needs, take initiative, and create real change—all while developing leadership skills that will carry into their careers.

Shaping Futures Through Service

The long-term impact of Seattle U Law’s pro bono culture is clear: many graduates go on to pursue careers in public defense, legal aid, nonprofit advocacy, and government service. Even those entering private practice often choose firms with strong pro bono commitments, shaped by the values they cultivated in law school.

Seattle U Law’s national recognition affirms this legacy. The National Jurist ranked the school among the top 10 law schools in the country for public service, naming it #1 in the Pacific Northwest and #7 nationally for both public service and public interest law. These accolades reflect the real-world outcomes of a program that not only educates but inspires.

Recognizing Excellence in Pro Bono

Seattle U Law proudly honors students who go above and beyond in service. Those who complete their Pro Bono Pledge are recognized at ATJI’s annual Pro Bono Pizza Party and featured in commencement programs. Throughout the year, student accomplishments are showcased via ATJI’s social media and The Link Newsletter, celebrating their contributions and inspiring peers to get involved.

Each year, one student is nominated to the AALS Pro Bono Honor Roll, a national recognition for exceptional commitment to expanding access to justice. These honors reflect not only the school’s appreciation for student service but also its belief that such work is essential to the legal profession.

Conclusion: A Law School Where Justice Is More Than a Word

Seattle University School of Law has created a powerful model for integrating pro bono work into legal education. Through early exposure, diverse opportunities, strong mentorship, and national recognition, students are supported every step of the way as they become advocates for justice.

For Seattle U Law students, pro bono is not just a graduation requirement or résumé line—it’s a defining part of who they are as future lawyers, and the foundation of careers dedicated to making a difference.