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Pro Bono Programs

four people dressed in professional clothing stand outside of the Pepperdine University Calabasas office

Consistent with Pepperdine University's mission to strengthen students for lives of purpose, service, and leadership, the Pro Bono Programs at Pepperdine Caruso Law facilitate pro bono legal services in the local and global community.

Projects

Justice Bus Trips

The Justice Bus Project brings life changing legal help to vulnerable populations living in rural and isolated areas of California through free limited scope legal clinics. Pepperdine law student volunteers meet one-on-one with clients and help eligible individuals complete their paperwork one hundred percent free of charge.

Immigration and Asylum Project

Pepperdine Law partners with the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA) to provide stipend-funded positions for students seeking to defend immigrants at risk of removal from the United States. Under expert attorney supervision, the students have worked with clients applying for asylum; those intent on keeping their lawful permanent residency; domestic violence victims seeking protection under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA); families seeking to obtain status under the U Visa as victims of violent crime; and survivors of human trafficking. The students work directly with clients performing client intakes, drafting legal briefs and motions, and appearing in court as co-counsel.

Student-Led Pro Bono Projects

The Annual Fundraising Auction (Advocates for Public Interest Law) raises money for stipends provided to law students working in summer public interest positions.

The Mentoring Program (First Generation Student Association) speaks to junior high school students in the bay area and los Angeles county who are first generation and minority students about college applications, the college experience and grad school.

Spring Break Projects

The Sudreau Global Justice Institute's Spring Break trip is an opportunity for our students to view their law degree through a human rights lens. Students will engage in the various discussions and activities planned each year as well as engage with the culture while visiting historical sights.

 

Opportunities 

Judge Kennedy and a student work with young boys in a Uganda Remand home

Clinical Education Program

The Clinical Education Program at Pepperdine Caruso Law provides opportunities for students to provide pro bono legal services while earning academic credit through clinics, externships, and practicums.

Internship and Fellowship Opportunities

The Sudreau Global Justice Institute Uganda Fellowship is a one-year position open to our recent Pepperdine Caruso Law graduates where they have the opportunity to live and work in Uganda as a mediator and a coordinator for the work of the Global Justice Program throughout the year.

Career Development Office

Students who are interested in internship, fellowship, or volunteer opportunities in public interest organizations and law firms should contact the Career Development Office.

 Volunteer Opportunities

The Career Development Office lists volunteer opportunities with legal organizations on Symplicity. Students may also contact the Pro Bono Program Staff for more information.