The Iowa Law community honored students and faculty members contributions to the profession and the community during the law school’s annual Pro Bono Recognition Event on October 21. Organized by the Citizen Lawyer Program (CLP) and the Iowa Student Bar Association (ISBA), the event coincided with the ABA’s National Celebration of Pro Bono and Iowa’s Cady Day of Public Service, offering a meaningful backdrop for recognizing Iowa Law’s public service champions. 

ISBA Co-Presidents Jude Hagerman and Nickolaus Cabrera opened the program with remarks about the importance of public service, drawing from their own experiences. Dean Kevin Washburn followed by announcing Iowa Law’s nominees to the American Association of Law School’s Pro Bono Honor Roll: Jay Zaksek (3L), Professor Alison Guernsey (JD ’08), and Professor Brian Farrell (JD ’98)—all of whom exemplify dedication to pro bono work and community service. 

The event’s keynote speaker, Professor Lorraine Gaynor, a longtime attorney with Iowa Legal Aid, shared insights from her extensive pro bono experience, emphasizing lawyers' essential role in ensuring justice for all. She highlighted the courage of her clients and the impact attorneys can have in championing access to justice. 

Thirty-five Iowa Law students were then honored as Spring 2024 members of Iowa Law’s Pro Bono Society.  Pro Bono Society membership is earned through completion of at least 15 hours of public service and participation in the law school’s Lawyers & Leaders programming in a given semester.  

In addition, the event recognized 82 students who are participating in Pro Bono Projects this fall. These structured, law-related positions provide law students – the majority of whom are 1Ls – the opportunity to volunteer with nonprofit and government agencies for a few hours weekly.  

 Throughout the week, Iowa Law engaged the community with a food drive for the Food Pantry at Iowa, a video reflection project, and treats in the Boyd Law Building lobby, all fostering a strong sense of commitment to service and justice among students and faculty alike. 

This year’s ABA Pro Bono Week theme, “Making Justice a Reality in Our Communities,” underscored the need for pro bono work across the nation, encouraging events that provide legal services, train lawyers, and celebrate those who help bridge access gaps in the legal system. Running from October 20-26, Pro Bono Week highlights the importance of legal services for those who cannot afford them. 

Locally, Iowa’s Cady Day of Service commemorated the late Chief Justice Mark Cady. Known for his dedication to public service, access to justice, and civil rights, Justice Cady’s legacy continues to inspire law students and legal professionals throughout Iowa.