Julie Jackson, our Assistant Dean for Public Interest Programs, just sent out an e-mail to the Tulane Law School senior staff, alerting us to some pretty impressive news involving our law students. She had compiled some interesting data in connection with our annual recognition event honoring the pro bono student stars participating in the TLS Pro Bono Program.
Dean Jackson reported, "On April 16th, 125 students were recognized for their dedication to the public interest and commitment to the goal of making access to justice within the reach of all. Each of these students provided 50 or more hours of pro bono work. The total of hours donated by students exceeding the minimum requirement of 30 hours, amounted to 23,101 hours. The average pro bono contribution from each of these students was 185 hours! The largest amount contributed by one student was 568 hours total from 3L Brittany Lee. The highest total for a 2L stuedents was 548 hours from Nicholas Daum.
"Among the unique pro bono assignments for this group of students was:
- assisting the Point Au Chien Indians in seeking federal tribal recognition
- assisting Civil District Court staff in addressing legal disputes stemming from the publication of literally thousands of City Council e-mails
- working on behalf of polar bears
"Students addressed a wide range of issues and worked with many agencies in New Orleans, including: housing/foreclosure, family law, consumer law, immigration issues including wage claims, AIDSLaw, mental health advocacy (both elder law and disability rights), City Attorney, City Council, District Attorney, Orleans Public Defender, Federal Public Defender, Innocence Project, Louisiana Capital Assistance Center, Entertainment Law Legal Assistance, and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance.
"Pro bono students worked outside of New Orleans, too--in San Diego, Chicago, San Francisco, Galveston, Mobile, Miami, Puerto Rico, Atlanta, Rhode Island, Vermont, United Nations Headquarters, New York City, Cambodia, and Thailand!"