The Citizen Lawyer Program exists to advance Iowa Law's teaching and service missions. It is a teaching platform for students to develop the knowledge, values, and skills that are central to law as a professional calling. By supporting a wide variety of opportunities for pro bono work, community service, and programs about legal issues, skills, and values, CLP extends students' education beyond the classroom while engaging them directly in the College's mission of public service.

Professional Identity Development

One of the missions of the Citizen Lawyer Program is to prepare Iowa Law students for their roles as community leaders by helping them develop their professional skills and learn the values of the profession. This begins at the start of the first year and continues with programs and experiences throughout a student's career, including the Lawyers & Leaders series and Pro Bono Projects. 

The Lawyers & Leaders series offers programs to complement the traditional legal curriculum with workshops, lectures, and other programs that focus on pro bono traditions, leadership development, practical lawyer and life skills, and community issues. Programs are open to all law students; attendance at one program each semester is one requirement of the Pro Bono Society. Announcements of upcoming Lawyers & Leaders programs can be found in News & Events.