05 Mar 2021
The University of Nebraska College of Law was recognized as a 2020 Pro Bono Leader for its dedication to pro bono work and participation in the American Bar Association’s Free Legal Answers Program. Nebraska Law is receiving this recognition for the third consecutive year.
The ABA Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service presents annual recognition to individual attorneys, law firms and law departments that have provided extraordinary pro bono services through the ABA Free Legal Answers program.
As part of this virtual advice clinic, users post their civil legal questions to their state’s website. Attorney volunteers who are authorized to provide pro bono assistance select questions to answer and provide legal information and advice.
“Through this virtual clinic, our faculty and students are able to provide legal advice to more of the population, especially the low-income or rural populations that lack access to justice in our state.” said Dean Richard Moberly. “I am extremely proud of Nebraska Law’s continued participation in this program.”
The Pro Bono Leader distinction recognizes organizations that have collectively answered 75 or more questions during the calendar year, and individuals who answered 50 or more questions.
The Nebraska College of Law answered 127 total questions last year. Professors Kristen Blankley, Kevin Ruser and Ryan Sullivan each participated in this initiative, as did a number of Nebraska Law students.
“Last year brought challenges that no one expected,” said clinical associate professor Ryan Sullivan. “Answering questions through the Free Legal Answers Program was one way for the clinic and our students to support our community.”
Professor Sullivan also received individual recognition as a Pro Bono Leader. In addition to dedicating his own time to answering questions, Professor Sullivan supervised law students participating in this program.