Some of the Class of 2026 Pro Bono Certificate recipients with Rachel Lawrence

Catholic Law recently hosted an event to honor the pro bono contributions of its law students, with a special focus on the Class of 2026. The event highlighted the importance of pro bono work in shaping both the legal profession and the communities it serves. Rachel Lawrence, Associate Director for Pro Bono and Public Interest Career Development, introduced keynote speaker Willistine Harris '20, a trial attorney in the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division. Harris, who has a long history of pro bono work during her time at Catholic Law and during her post-graduate career, shared how these experiences benefit both the community and the individual. "Pro bono fosters growth and widens the view on various ways one can practice law," she said, encouraging students to embrace these opportunities as a way to make a meaningful impact.

Members of the Pro Bono Advisory Board shared their reflections on the value of pro bono work. Albert Anaim, a 3L, spoke about its deeper meaning, saying, "Pro bono demands that we perform work not because it is for private interest, but because it is for good’s sake." He also acknowledged the challenges, noting that pro bono work is often uncomfortable but necessary to address injustices. Andrea Quinan, also a 3L, encouraged younger students to get involved early, sharing her own journey through various pro bono opportunities, including clinics and internships. "Pro bono means getting to practice new areas of law in a low-pressure environment, learning new skills, and seeing the immediate effect of my work on the lives of individuals in my community," she explained.

First-year students also shared their early experiences with pro bono work. Annabel Morris reflected on her initial steps, saying, "Coming into law school, I knew that I wanted to use my legal education to better my community. It’s been exciting to realize that no matter what type of law I end up pursuing, I can use and develop my legal skills to achieve this goal." Evana Brenelus recounted her transformative experience during the school’s annual immigration spring break trip, where she worked on habeas petitions and assisted immigrants at detention centers. "It is one thing to sit behind a desk or watch things happening in the world from our phones; it is another to be able to personally go out and see it for yourself," she said.

The event concluded with the presentation of Pro Bono certificates to the Class of 2026 and closing remarks from Michael F. Curtin '65, namesake of Catholic Law's Pro Bono Award. Curtin commended the students for their dedication and encouraged them to continue their commitment to service. The event served as both a celebration of the students' achievements and a reminder of the vital role pro bono work plays in advancing justice and supporting those in need.