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 offering 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 provides opportunities for students to volunteer with a wide range of organizations, both law-related and non-law-related.

Students stand in front of the sign at the Iowa Bar Assciation.

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.

Members of the Citizen Lawyer Program outside of Uptown Bill's Coffee House

Community Service

Students are encouraged to engage in community service opportunities beyond the legal field. CLP facilitates volunteer opportunities for students throughout the year and through organized service events.

The Old Capitol Building at University of Iowa at sunset in the fall.

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 our 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. Our program coordinates opportunities for law students to volunteer with 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. All programs are open to all 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.

Learn more

News

UIowa brand briefcase icon in yellow on gray background.

Apply now for Fall 2024 Pro Bono Projects

Monday, August 26, 2024
The Citizen Lawyer Program is now accepting applications for its Fall 2024 Pro Bono Projects.  Interested students should review project descriptions and application information. Deadline: Wednesday, Sept 4.
Sunset and dusk photo of Old Capital Mall

Pro Bono Society recognizes 32 law students for their commitment to service

Tuesday, October 24, 2023
By Elyse Gabor
These individuals, consisting of both current students and recent graduates, have earned a place on the distinguished honors society list through their dedicated commitment to serving others and cultivating the skills and values essential for a life of public service.
The Old Capitol Building at University of Iowa at sunset in the fall.

Pro Bono Society recognizes 38 law students for their service

Thursday, October 27, 2022
Elyse Gabor
The Pro Bono Society recognized 36 law students as its Spring 2022 Members. Current students and recent graduates were named to the honors society list for dedicating their time toward serving others and developing skills and values that are important to a life of public service.
The Old Capitol Building at University of Iowa

Pro Bono Society recognizes 56 law students for their service

Thursday, October 28, 2021
By Giovanna Deo
The society recently announced its Spring 2021 Members, with 56 current and recently graduated students making the list. The Pro Bono Society is an honor society that recognizes Iowa Law students who have dedicated their time towards serving others and developing skills and values that are important to a life of public service.

CLP Events

Lawyers & Leaders: Civility Matters

Wednesday, September 18, 2024 12:40pm
Boyd Law Building
American Board of Trial Advocates members will facilitate this educational and entertaining program aimed at increasing civility and courtesy in the legal profession. Open to all law students. This event is part of the Lawyers & Leaders series organized by the Citizen Lawyer Program. Attendance at one Lawyers & Leaders program each semester is one requirement for membership in Iowa Law's Pro Bono Society. 

How Healers Became Killers: Physicians & Medical Crimes in Nazi Germany

Thursday, October 17, 2024 3:30pm to 4:30pm
Old Capitol Museum
Dr. Patricia Heberer Rice from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum will discuss how Jim Crow-era eugenics policies in the United States served as a model for Nazi Germany. This event is designated as a Lawyers & Leaders event for UI College of Law students.  This program was made possible through the generosity of The Leonard and Sophie Davis Fund, the William J. Lowenberg Memorial Endowment on America, the Holocaust, and the Jews, and Judith B. and Burton P. Resnick Fund for the Study of...

Lawyers & Leaders: Pro Bono Recognition Event

Monday, October 21, 2024 12:40pm to 1:40pm
Boyd Law Building
Join the Citizen Lawyer Program and Iowa Student Bar Association as we celebrate the Iowa Law community's commitment to service. This is one of several activities planned in conjunction with the Cady Day of Public Service and ABA's National Celebration of Pro Bono. The program will feature remarks by a guest speaker and Iowa Student Bar Association leaders. Following the remarks, we will recognize Spring 2024 Pro Bono Society members and participants in CLP Pro Bono Projects. A reception will...