ABA Honors Marquette Law for Pro Bono Work

The American Bar Association selected the university for its commitment to providing free legal services to the underserved.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Philanthropy

ABA Honors Marquette Law for Pro Bono Work

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Is the availability of free legal aid in your community sufficient for low-income residents?

Marquette University Law School has received the 2026 Pro Bono Publico Award from the American Bar Association. The honor recognizes the school's long-standing dedication to providing legal services for low-income and disadvantaged persons.

Why it matters

The recognition highlights the essential role academic institutions play in narrowing the legal representation gap for vulnerable populations. By mobilizing hundreds of volunteers, the program directly assists those living at or below 125% of the federal poverty level.

The Marquette Volunteer Legal Clinics host 250 volunteer attorneys and 250 students annually, helping bridge a gap where one legal aid attorney serves 4,300 individuals. Client visits have grown from 106 in 2002 to 6,160 in 2025.

The players

Marquette University Law School

This Milwaukee-based institution provides legal education and operates extensive volunteer outreach clinics for the public.

American Bar Association

This is a voluntary professional association of lawyers that sets academic standards for law schools and provides legal resources.

The details

The program utilizes a mobile van and virtual Zoom sessions to reach residents in Milwaukee and across the state. These efforts are anchored by the Marquette Volunteer Legal Clinics, which have been operating for 25 years to provide critical aid.

The Pro Bono Publico Awards program began in 1984.
Marquette Volunteer Legal Clinics started operations in 2001.
The clinic recorded 106 client visits in 2002.
The clinic recorded 6,160 client visits in 2025.
Marquette University Law School received the award in 2026.

Market Landscape

The award marks a rare milestone for the Pro Bono Publico Awards, as it is only the fourth time the organization has recognized a law school since the program's inception. This highlights a broader trend of universities integrating public service into their core operational missions.

Residents struggling with legal issues can access these services at physical sites in Milwaukee or through statewide virtual sessions. This provides a vital resource for individuals who do not have the financial means to hire private counsel.

The takeaway

Voluntary legal clinics provide a critical safety net for those navigating the justice system without private representation. Community members should explore clinic schedules if they meet income eligibility requirements for assistance.