The dean of New York Law School, Anthony W. Crowell, said in a press release that the school has started a Pro Bono initiative that complies with requirements from the New York Court of Appeals. The program will help students better attain their 50 hours of pro bono service, which is a requirement to be admitted to the New York bar. The requirement is scheduled to become effective on January 1, 2013 but the program at the law school will start immediately.
In the release, Crowell said, “Expanding clinical and experiential opportunities has been a priority of mine since joining the Law School. Our new Pro Bono Initiative provides NYLS with an excellent opportunity to showcase its ability to be nimble and build best-in-class programs to further the goals of access to justice as we train the next generation of lawyers. I believe that the program as structured will enable those seeking admission to the bar the opportunity to help provide meaningful outcomes for clients as well as gain experience that will encourage a life-long commitment to pro bono service.”
The Pro Bono Initiative at the school will be headed by Carol A. Buckler, a professor. She will also be the director of the Center for Professional Values and Practice. “I am pleased to lead both the Pro Bono Initiative and the Center for Professional Values and Practice. Together, the students, faculty, and administration of NYLS will work to further Judge Lippman’s goal to expand access to justice for underserved New Yorkers, and to provide critical new experiences for our students,” Buckler said.
Buckler joined the law school in 1991 and has been a member of the school’s administration since 2002. She has served as the Interim Dean of the school and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Buckler also holds the designation of serving as the law school’s first Associate Dean for Professional Development.