St. Mary's University School of Law Center for Legal and Social Justice

About This Office

The Center for Legal and Social Justice is a former retreat house of the Marianist Sisters, located less than one mile from main campus. In 1996, it became part of St. Mary’s University and now houses the St. Mary’s Clinical Program, the Pro Bono Program and the Externship Program. Students enrolled in Clinical Program courses can earn academic credit while they gain real-world lawyering skills by acting as the attorney of record for income-qualified clients. Second- and third-year law students participate in the Clinical Program by applying for one of four for-credit courses: Civil Justice Clinic-Consumer Protection, Civil Justice Clinic-Family Law, the Immigration and Human Rights Clinic or the Criminal Justice Clinic. Law students may also volunteer their time through Pro Bono Program opportunities assisting disadvantaged individuals with legal issues. Students may perform important legal work and gain a better understanding of the legal processes while helping those in need through opportunities, such as those with the ID Recovery Project at Haven for Hope and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA). Students who meet certain criteria may be awarded a Pro Bono and Public Service Certificate during their graduation ceremony.