Public Service Opportunities

The practice of law is one of the historic learned professions. The concept of profession implies a spirit of public service and the obligation to work pro bono publico—for the public good. Thus the American Bar Association, regional bar associations and individual members of the legal profession recognize the obligation of every lawyer to balance commercial goals with public service.

Chase law students are encouraged to participate in volunteer service under the supervision of practicing lawyers and several Chase student organizations have public service activities. The Chase Public Interest Group (CPIG) is a student organization whose goal is to promote public-mindedness in the study and practice of law through hosting speakers and activities, participating in community outreach and raising funds to support law students who wish to pursue careers in the public sector.

Beginning in Fall 2008, Chase students will complete 50 hours of pro bono service as a requirement for graduation.

Pro Bono Transcript Notation

Chase students who engage in at least 25 hours of law-related pro bono activity receive a notation on their transcript in recognition of their contribution to the community. While students may arrange pro bono opportunities on their own under existing guidelines, several organized opportunities are available.

Chase Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) trains Chase students and other volunteers to assist low-income individuals and families in completing their tax returns. In 2007 workshops were held at several locations in Northern Kentucky. More than 30 Chase students and alumni and 6 NKU and Chase faculty assisted members of the community in the preparation of their tax returns. Nearly 1200 refunds were filed resulting in the return of $1.6 million in taxes being returned to members of the Northern Kentucky community.

Chase Law Advocates Program

The Chase Law Advocates Program (CLAP) is a partnership between Northern Kentucky Volunteer Lawyers and Chase College of Law under which Chase students are offered the opportunity to engage a range of pro bono opportunities under the supervision of licensed practicing attorneys. The partnership between students and volunteer lawyers results in the delivery of needed legal services to the community. Law students may work with individual volunteer lawyers on a divorce or custody case. CLAP is particularly flexible in providing opportunities to first semester, as well as to upper level, law students, and places as many as 80 students in a variety of pro bono settings every year.