Students
Are you a student interested in pursuing a career in public interest law?
Charleston Pro Bono offers law students a variety of opportunities to learn, gain hands-on experience, and engage with our work throughout the year. From volunteer opportunities and law school clinics to fellowships, students can get an inside look at public interest legal services and contribute to expanding access to justice in Charleston County.
Law School Clinics
Charleston Pro Bono partners with the Charleston School of Law to provide hands-on clinical opportunities for students while expanding access to legal services in the community. Together, we operate three clinics: the Housing Law Clinic, the Family Law Clinic, and the Child Advocacy Clinic. Eligible students are certified to practice law under South Carolina Rule 401 and, under attorney supervision, assist with client intake, case preparation, and representation in matters impacting low-income residents of Charleston County. These clinics strengthen the pipeline of future public interest attorneys while ensuring that vulnerable clients receive the legal support they need.
Pro Bono Hours
Charleston Pro Bono hosts students throughout the year who are looking to complete their pro bono hour requirement while gaining firsthand experience in a public interest setting. Students spend time in our office assisting with day-to-day operations, including answering phones and welcoming clients at our front desk, giving them an opportunity to interact directly with the people our attorneys serve and see what public interest legal work looks like in practice. Students may also have the opportunity to complete pro bono hours at Housing Court, supporting CPBLS’s eviction prevention work.
Fellowships
Charleston Pro Bono offers two fellowships for law students committed to public interest law. Both programs provide hands-on training, mentorship, and experience advancing access to justice.
Ackerman Fellowship
The Ackerman Fellowship is a six-week summer program that gives law students hands-on experience in public interest law while serving the Charleston community.
Fellows work closely with Charleston Pro Bono staff on client intake, case preparation, legal research, court observation, and community outreach. Their work spans a range of civil legal issues, including family law, landlord/tenant, estate planning, and victims’ rights, providing students with practical legal skills while contributing directly to access to justice.
Kat during her time as an Ackerman Fellow.
Westbrook Fellowship
Created in honor of the late Katherine (Kat) Adele Westbrook, the Westbrook Fellowship provides Charleston School of Law students with a semester-long opportunity to gain hands-on experience in public interest law while serving the Charleston community.
Fellows work closely with Charleston Pro Bono staff on client services, legal research, case preparation, and community education and outreach. Their work spans a range of civil legal issues, including family law, victims’ rights, and expungements, giving students the opportunity to develop practical legal skills while directly advancing access to justice for individuals and families who cannot afford an attorney.
The fellowship honors Kat’s commitment to service, leadership, and using the law to help others.