3Ls Spent Millions Of Hours Doing Pro Bono Work In 2025

Above the Law

by Chris Williams

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Law students in the class of 2025 have made a significant impact through pro bono work, contributing over $178 million worth of legal services. According to a survey by the Association of American Law Schools, more than 22,000 third-year law students dedicated over 5.1 million hours to pro bono activities in 2025, averaging about 230 hours each. This remarkable effort highlights their commitment to giving back to their communities while honing their legal skills. Pro bono work for law students often involves a range of impactful activities, such as assisting individuals with tax filings or advocating for civil rights. These experiences not only benefit the community but also provide students with hands-on learning opportunities outside traditional classroom settings. For instance, projects like the Marshall Brennan Constitutional Literacy Project teach high school students about constitutional law, underscoring the importance of legal education in fostering awareness and understanding. The significance of this collective effort lies in its ability to address unmet legal needs while preparing future attorneys to be socially responsible professionals. By engaging in pro bono work, law students develop empathy, problem-solving skills, and a deeper connection to the communities they serve. This not only enhances their education but also sets a precedent for a lifetime of public service in the legal field. The survey’s findings underscore the growing recognition of pro bono contributions among law students, which are often overlooked compared to summer internships at prominent firms. These efforts demonstrate how legal education can empower future lawyers to make meaningful differences in society, reinforcing the value of ethics and community engagement in the profession. In summary, the class of 2025’s pro bono achievements highlight a new era of legal education focused on both academic rigor and social responsibility. Their contributions serve as inspiration for aspiring law students and emphasize the transformative power of public service in the legal field.

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Originally published on Above the Law on 2/19/2026