Pro Bono Publico Awards

Each year, the Pro Bono Program celebrates the outstanding pro bono service of students, student groups, faculty and alumni at the Pro Bono Public Awards and Public Interest Reception. Award nominations may be submitted by alumni, legal organizations, or any member of the UNC Law community. Nominations are solicited each March.

Awards

Graduating Student of the Year

Who is eligible

Any Carolina Law student graduating in December or May of the current academic year.

Selection Criteria

1. continuity of pro bono service during law school career
2. diversity of pro bono service
3. impact of pro bono work on fellow students, the school and/or the community

3L Student of the Year

Who is eligible

Any Carolina Law student graduating in December or May of the current academic year.

Selection Criteria:

1. impact of pro bono work on fellow students, the school and/or the community
2. hours of service

2L Student of the Year

Who is eligible

Any Carolina Law student in the 2L class during the current academic year.

Selection Criteria

1. impact of pro bono work on fellow students, the school and/or the community
2. hours of service

1L Student of the Year

Who is eligible

Any Carolina Law student in the 1L class during the current academic year.

Selection Criteria

1. impact of pro bono work on fellow students, the school and/or the community
2. hours of service

Group Pro Bono Project of the Year

Who is eligible

Any officially recognized student group at Carolina Law.

Selection Criteria:

1. demonstrated dedication to the development and delivery of legal services to the poor through pro bono service
2. contribution to the development of innovative approaches to delivery of volunteer legal services
3. participation in an activity that satisfied previously unmet needs or extended services to underserved segments of the population
4. sustainability/continuity of project.

Professor/Faculty Member of the Year

Who is eligible

Any full-time or adjuct Carolina Law professor or faculty member.

Selection Criteria

1. Demonstrated dedication to the development and delivery of legal services to the poor through pro bono service
2. contribution of significant work toward developing innovative approaches to delivery of volunteer legal services
3. participation in an activity that resulted in satisfying previously unmet needs or in extending services to underserved segments of the population
4. successful litigation of pro bono cases that favorably affected the provision of other services to the poor
5. achievement (or attempt) of legislation that contributed substantially to legal services to the poor
6. extent to which professor involved students in his or her pro bono service.

Alumnus/Alumna of the Year

Who is eligible

Any Carolina Law alumnus/alumna.

Selection Criteria

1. Demonstrated dedication to the development and delivery of legal services to the poor through pro bono service
2. Contribution of significant work toward developing innovative approaches to delivery of volunteer legal services
3. Participation in an activity which resulted in satisfying previously unmet needs or in extending services to underserved segments of the population
4. Successful litigation of pro bono cases that favorably affected the provision of other services to the poor
5. Achievement (or attempt) of legislation that contributed substantially to legal services to the poor.