Pro Bono Society
The Pro Bono Society (PBS) is a student honor society that emphasizes the importance of public service and volunteerism in the legal profession. In addition, PBS serves as a vehicle to assist law students seeking to earn the Boyd Service Award. Membership is an earned honor that signifies an objectively measured commitment to serving others during a given semester, as well as the development of skills and values important to a life of public service in the tradition of pro bono publico.
The Pro Bono Society honors students who have reported 15 hours of service, at least 7.5 of which are Community Hours, and attended at least one Lawyers & Leaders program in the previous semester. Qualifying students are notified of membership early the following semester.
Further information about these requirements is available in the PBS Constitution.
Boyd Service Award
The Boyd Service Award is a graduation recognition earned by students who show a commitment to community service. It is named for Professor and President Emeritus Willard "Sandy" Boyd. The Boyd Service Award is awarded to law students at the completion of their studies in recognition of service throughout their law school careers. Recipients receive a certificate and wear cords during the graduation ceremony. Receiving the Boyd Service Award is the only way to wear cords at graduation.
Mission Statement
To recognize law students who provide volunteer services to charitable, religious, civic, community, governmental and educational organizations in furtherance of those organizations' missions to improve the community. The level of distinction is based on the number of volunteer hours completed during a student's entire law school career, with the guidelines as follows:
- Honors: 100 hours total (at least 50 of community service)
- High Honors: 150 hours total (at least 75 of community service)
- Highest Honors: 200 hours (at least 100 of community service)