Honor Societies Induction Ceremony

Each spring at California Western, we celebrate students who dedicate their time and talents to serving the public through volunteer legal service and the employers who work with our students.

Honoring Commitment to Justice

Get involved

Each spring, California Western School of Law hosts its Annual Pro Bono & Public Service Honor Societies Induction Ceremony & Employer Appreciation. This special event, organized by the Dean and Career & Professional Development Office (CPDO), honors inductees into the Pro Bono Honors Society and Public Service Honors Society — students who have completed 50 or more hours with a qualified employer. The eligible hours must be uncompensated and not completed for academic credit.

Why It Matters

The work of these students reflects California Western School of Law’s mission to advance access to justice, promote ethical legal practice, and train the next generation of practice-ready legal professionals. Through the Pro Bono and Public Service Honors Programs, students:

  • Receive hands-on legal training in real-world settings
  • Build professional networks and mentorships
  • Provide vital support to nonprofit and government organizations
  • Demonstrate a deep commitment to service in line with ABA Model Rule 6.1 and the California State Bar’s recommendation for pro bono service
  • Make a difference!
    • California Western Pro Bono and Public Service Honors Society inductees collectively volunteer thousands of volunteer hours. Annually, inductees produce the equivalent of approximately $3 million in equivalent low-cost legal services by volunteering for  nonprofit and government employer partners.

 

Inductee Recognition

California Western School of Law formally recognizes students who meet the Honors Programs’ requirements with:

  • Induction into the appropriate Honor Society at the annual ceremony
  • Official transcript notation
  • A certificate of appreciation signed by the Dean
  • Graduation regalia (honor cord)

Eligibility for the Wiley W. Manuel Award from the California Lawyers Association for those who qualify for Pro Bono Honors Society.

Groups of people stand around waist high tables throughout a large room hosting the ceremony celebration

Honor Societies Induction Ceremony

A group of people seated at tables lined up in rows applaud a person standing in the back of the room

Honor Societies Induction Ceremony

A group of people seated at tables lined up in rows applaud a person standing in the front of the room

Honor Societies Induction Ceremony

Four people pose for a photograph inside of the room hosting the ceremony celebration

Honor Societies Induction Ceremony

Aerial shot of ceremony celebration focusing on five people standing around a table talking

Honor Societies Induction Ceremony

Our Programs and Participating Employers

Pro Bono Honors Program

The Pro Bono Honors Program at California Western School of Law was created in 1991 in partnership with the San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program. It provides law students the opportunity to assist individuals of limited means through nonprofit legal aid organizations, while gaining hands-on experience in diverse areas of law. The program is facilitated by the Career & Professional Development Office (CPDO).

Guidelines for student inductees:

  • Generally open to students after completion of their first year of coursework
  • Minimum of 50 hours of verified legal service between March 1 and February 28
  • Track all hours using Track It Forward and submit verification by March 1
  • Must not receive academic credit or compensation for service

As part of the Pro Bono Program, students volunteer with a wide range of public interest and government organizations. Some of our trusted community partners include:

  • Public Defender’s Office
  • San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program (SDVLP)
  • Casa Cornelia Law Center
  • Legal Aid Society of San Diego
  • Jewish Family Service — Immigration Legal Services
  • Think Dignity
  • Access, Inc.
  • Elder Law & Advocacy

Public Service Honors Program

The Public Service Honors Program recognizes California Western students who volunteer their time with city, county, state, or federal government agencies — including courts and prosecutorial offices. The program is facilitated by the Career & Professional Development Office (CPDO).

Guidelines for student inductees:

  • Minimum of 50 hours of legal work at a qualifying public agency between March 1 and February 28
  • Track all hours using Track It Forward and submit verification by March 1
  • Must not receive academic credit or compensation for service

As part of the Public Service Program, students volunteer with a wide range of public interest and government organizations. Some of our trusted community partners include:

  • San Diego City Attorney’s Office
  • San Diego County District Attorney’s Office
  • California Attorney General’s Office
  • U.S. District Court — Southern District of California
  • California Court of Appeal, Fourth District
  • Office of the U.S. Trustee

Getting Started: How to Get Involved

  1. Schedule an appointment with the Career & Professional Development Office (CPDO) via 12Twenty
  2. Explore the list of approved organizations or seek approval for a new placement
  3. Track your hours using Track It Forward
  4. Submit signed verification once you’ve completed at least 50 hours

Career and Professional Development Office

If you have any questions about the ceremony or how to get involved, please contact JavaScript Required, Assistant Director of Pro Bono & Public Service.

Contact Us
Email
JavaScript Required
Location
350 Cedar St., 2nd floor
San Diego, CA 92101