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.
Public Service
Public service is a core value of the legal profession, and lawyers are expected to give back generously to their communities and to promote access to justice. The Citizen Lawyer Program works to instill this value in Iowa Law students, and facilitates opportunities for students to volunteer with a wide range of organizations, both law-related and non-law-related.
Pro Bono Projects
Pro Bono Projects are structured, law-related volunteer positions with governmental and non-profit organizations. Students assigned to projects are supervised by attorneys within the organization.
Community Service
Students are encouraged to engage in community service opportunities beyond the legal field. CLP highlights volunteer opportunities for students throughout the year.
Pro Bono Society & Awards
CLP helps administer Iowa Law's Pro Bono Society and Boyd Service Award, which promote student volunteerism by recognizing their efforts on a semester basis and at graduation.
Please note that the Citizen Lawyer Program does not provide legal services. State law and ethical considerations generally prohibit law students from providing legal advice or representation except in narrow circumstances under supervision of licensed attorney. The Citizen Lawyer Program’s Pro Bono Projects facilitates opportunities for law students to volunteer with external legal services providers.
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.
How Do I Report Service Hours?
For current students looking for information about how to track and report service hours, please visit this link to learn more.
News
Thirty-five Iowa Law students have qualified as members of the Pro Bono Society for Spring 2025
CLP Events
Reentry Simulation
Members of the Iowa Law community are encouraged to participate in this engaging (and frustrating) simulation to learn about the barriers that people returning to the community face after serving a prison sentence. A panel of directly impacted people will speak briefly about their own experiences following the simulation. Transportation from the law school will be available for students/COL employees. More information, including a registration form and information volunteer opportunities will be...