Download This Version in Microsoft Word format
TO CONGRATULATE THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA SCHOOL OF LAW PRO BONO PROGRAM UPON THE OCCASION OF ITS THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY AND TO COMMEND THE PROGRAM, FACULTY LEADERSHIP, AND STUDENTS FOR THEIR MANY YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE AND THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are pleased to recognize the University of South Carolina School of Law Pro Bono Program as it celebrates this important milestone; and
Whereas, the University of South Carolina School of Law established the first one hundred percent voluntary pro bono program for law students in 1989; and
Whereas, the Pro Bono Program aims to foster an ethic of professional commitment to public service for those who are unrepresented or indigent, to provide students with opportunities for career development and enhancing their skills, and to involve students in volunteer programs in the community; and
Whereas, public service is a core value integral to legal education at the University of South Carolina School of Law, and the Pro Bono Program provides a model to students for effective engagement; and
Whereas, the Pro Bono Program offers a number of service opportunities, including serving as a guardian ad litem with Richland County CASA or Richland County Probate Court, assisting at the Homeless Legal Clinic, developing public information flyers for the Richland County Public Defender's Office, preparing and filing taxes for low-income citizens, assisting in the preparation of simple wills for low-income senior citizens in the Midlands, and translating legal information into Spanish for the South Carolina Bar, Supreme Court of South Carolina, and South Carolina Access to Justice Commission; and
Whereas, over the years, the Pro Bono Program has received many accolades, including being the only law school named as a Point of Light by President George H. W. Bush; being the only law school represented at a 2013 White House gathering, when President Barack Obama celebrated the 5,000th Point of Light; and receiving many awards from the South Carolina Bar, the University of South Carolina, and several nonprofits and government agencies; and
Whereas, alumni of the Pro Bono Program have taken their commitment to public service to law firms, nonprofits, government agencies, the judiciary, and elected offices, where they are making a difference in South Carolina and beyond; and
Whereas, the Pro Bono Program has flourished under the guidance of its director, Pamela DeFanti Robinson, for thirty years. Ms. Robinson trains extensively on volunteer and nonprofit liability issues and has been recognized locally, regionally, and nationally for her volunteer and management leadership; and
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate greatly appreciate the dedication and commitment of the University of South Carolina School of Law Pro Bono Program to serving the people and the State of South Carolina. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, congratulate the University of South Carolina School of Law Pro Bono Program upon the occasion of its thirtieth anniversary and commend the program, faculty leadership, and students for their many years of dedicated service to the people and the State of South Carolina.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the University of South Carolina School of Law Pro Bono Program.
This web page was last updated on February 13, 2020 at 10:46 AM