US Law Students: Over $157 Million in Pro Bono Legal Services Donated

• The Class of 2026 has contributed over $157 million in pro bono legal services, totaling more than 4.3 million hours.
• This represents an average of 197 donated hours per student across 22,249 students surveyed from 110 law schools.
• The reported value might be understated, with potential contributions exceeding $250 million if applied to all AALS member schools.
• Over the past decade, law students have collectively provided more than $1 billion in legal services.
• Law schools are increasingly focusing on addressing "legal deserts" through various pro bono programs, such as the University of Nebraska's Rural Estate Planning Clinic.

Danielle M. Conway, president of the AALS, emphasized the foundational role of access to justice in both legal education and the profession itself, stating that the clinical and pro bono work undertaken by current law students is vital for closing existing justice gaps and upholding the legal profession's duty to serve all segments of society.

A recent report issued by the Association of American Law Schools (AALS) on Friday, November 9, 2026, highlights the substantial pro bono contributions made by the Class of 2026. This cohort of law students has collectively provided legal services valued at over $157 million. These efforts represent more than 4.3 million hours of dedicated work, underscoring a significant commitment to public service even before their official entry into the legal profession.

The AALS survey, conducted this fall, gathered data from 110 law schools, encompassing 22,249 students. This figure accounts for approximately 58% of the entire Class of 2026 enrolled in ABA-accredited institutions. On average, each student surveyed contributed 197 hours of pro bono service. The financial valuation of these hours, set at $36.14 per hour by the nonprofit coalition Independent Sector, forms the basis for the reported $157 million total.

The actual impact of these pro bono efforts might be even greater than reported, as the study acknowledges challenges in accurately tracking all hours. Furthermore, the current figures do not include law students pursuing master's degrees, suggesting a conservative estimate. If the average pro bono hours per student were extrapolated across the total enrollment of all AALS member law schools, the aggregate value of donated services could potentially exceed $250 million.

This recent data builds upon a decade of consistent contributions from law students. Since its inception, the AALS survey has documented over $1 billion in legal services provided by students, demonstrating a sustained and growing commitment to public service within legal education. This long-term trend reflects a fundamental shift in how legal training emphasizes community engagement and the provision of essential legal aid.

A core principle guiding many legal institutions today is the imperative to serve individuals and communities in "legal deserts," areas where access to legal assistance is severely limited. Law schools are actively fostering this ethos by offering a diverse range of pro bono opportunities, including remote service options, specialized clinics, externships, and fellowships, all designed to connect students with those in need.

A notable example of this commitment is the University of Nebraska College of Law Rural Estate Planning Clinic. Through this initiative, law students deliver complimentary estate-planning services to senior citizens residing in rural areas. Their work includes preparing crucial documents such as wills, powers of attorney, living wills, and transfer-on-death deeds, directly addressing critical legal needs in underserved communities. Danielle M. Conway, president of the AALS, emphasized the foundational role of access to justice in both legal education and the profession itself, stating that the clinical and pro bono work undertaken by current law students is vital for closing existing justice gaps and upholding the legal profession's duty to serve all segments of society.

Source: Original reporting via Association of American Law Schools