Would externships for a state university in-house qualify for NY Pro bono? Forum

[Poets]

I got academic credits for doing externship at in-house of a state university. Would this qualify for NY's Pro bono requirements?

I am asking this because the FAQ by the NY bar stated that regarding the hours earned from law school clinics, "Your receipt of academic credit does not disqualify the work but it didn't specifically mention externship hours.

[blueapple]

I don't think so. I would call the NY bar and double check, but I don't think it'll count. Maaaybe you can argue if you're at a state school that it's a state agency, but that probably won't fly. Doesn't really fit with the purpose of the pro bono requirement from what I understand. Caveat: I'm not barred in NY so I don't have any personal experience with the pro bono requirement.

https://www.nycourts.gov/attorneys/prob ... ission.pdf

b. Externships or internship placements with a
i. not-for-profit provider of legal services for the poor and low-income individuals;
ii. law firm, only if the work is performed for a pro bono matter being handled by
that firm and the pro bono client is not paying a fee;
iii. not-for-profit organization described in FAQ 12(d) below, only if the work is
related to a legal matter for which no fee is being paid;
iv. judge or a court system;
v. Legal Aid, a civil or criminal legal services organization that serves low-income
clients, a Public Defender, a Conflict Defender, a U.S. Attorney, a District
Attorney or a State Attorney General; or
vi. federal, state or local government agency or a legislative body.

[mjb447]

Agreed - the problem isn't that it's an externship but that, from your brief description, it sounds like the work you performed likely doesn't qualify. Can call if you want to be more sure. (I'd be interested to know the official answer.)