Public Interest/Pro Bono

Lawyering Together

As a Catholic Law School, deeply rooted in its Augustinian traditions, Villanova has always emphasized the unique value of individual human lives and emphasizes the commitment the serving those in need. In an effort to make pro bono legal service an important part of legal education, the law school created Lawyering Together, an innovative partnership involving law students, practicing attorneys, the law school and public interest organizations. We pair students and attorneys together to work on a pro bono case assigned through one of our partner agencies.

Approximately 20% of the student body is participating in the “Lawyering Together” program. The program, which was created as a joint initiative of the Pro Bono Society and the Alumni Association, matches volunteer VLS alumni with law students, who then represent indigent clients referred from several Philadelphia pro bono organizations, including SeniorLaw Center, Philadelphia Volunteers for the Indigent Program (VIP) and Support Center for Child Advocates. The cases cover a broad spectrum of civil matters, such as domestic relations (including custody, adoption, and domestic violence), immigration, wills and other personal planning documents, consumer rights and personal injury litigation defense. 

By partnering students with attorneys to work on a pro bono matter, we strive to assess students in developing a fuller understanding of the practice of law, as well as the responsibilities of service that accompany a lawyer's vocation. For more information, contact the Career Strategy Office.

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