Pro Bono Mandate for N.Y. Bar Admission Brings Mixed Reactions, Lots of Questions

In an unprecedented step, New York Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman May 1 announced a pro bono requirement for admission to the bar in that state.

In remarks on Law Day, Lippman said that starting next year, New York will require “each and every applicant for admission to contribute 50 hours of participation in law-related and uncompensated pro bono service before they can practice in New York State.”

Lippman acknowledged in his remarks that New York is the first state in the nation to require pro bono service as a condition for admission to the bar.

The announcement drew both praise ...