Public Service Commendation Program
In January 2007, Toledo Law launched the Public Service Commendation Program to encourage student engagement in the community. Since its inception, program students have donated over 29,000 hours of service.
You may earn a Public Service Commendation for each academic term in which you perform 30 or more documented hours of unpaid, law-related, public service work, as approved by the college's public service coordinator.听
Why pursue a Commendation?
- Volunteering provides needed legal services to underserved members of our community.
- It's a great way to gain legal experience!
- It's an opportunity to make connections in the legal profession by engaging with lawyers, judges, and legislators.
- By listing the commendation and volunteer work on your resume, you are able to show prospective employers the skills and experience you have gained.
- You will receive a certificate and acknowledgment in graduation materials.
How do I find a volunteer position?
Our Office of Professional Development will help students find volunteer opportunities with public service agencies and other non-profit organizations engaged in pro bono work. Contact opd@utoledo.edu or 419.530.2851 for further information and to get involved in the program.
Students commonly volunteer with area legal organizations, such as:
- The Toledo Bar Association Pro Bono Legal Services Program
- Advocates for Basic Legal Equality (ABLE)
- Legal Aid of Western Ohio (LAWO)
- The Toledo Prosecutor's Office
- Toledo Legal Aid Society
- And many others鈥�
In addition, you are welcome to secure a placement with other agencies or organizations in the region or across the country, as long as a licensed attorney will directly supervise you.听
Frequently, students who are enrolled in the Public Service Externship or participating in Federal Work-Study will continue to volunteer at their placement after their required/eligible hours are complete. If you volunteer at your placement for at least 30 hours past your designated end date, you can submit those hours for commendation*.听
*Students are not able to log hours toward the Public Service Commendation at the same time as they are logging hours for the Public Service Externship Clinic (PSEC), Federal Work Study (FWS), or Public Service Fellowships. However, upon completion of their PSEC, FWS, or Public Service Fellowship commitment, students may log extra hours toward the Public Service Commendation.听
What do I need to do to receive a commendation?
You are eligible to begin pursuing a commendation after completion of one semester of law studies. Completion of 30 or more documented hours of unpaid, law-related, public service work during a reporting period is required.
You may pursue two commendations each year, a fall commendation and a spring commendation. Work performed over the summer will be credited toward earning the commendation in the subsequent fall semester. Work performed over the winter break will be credited toward earning the commendation in the spring semester.
Steps to Earn a Commendation (with links to forms)
- Complete the Placement Verification Sheet and return it to the Office of Professional Development听
- Volunteer and keep track of hours/activities on the听Time Sheet(s)
- Complete and return the following required forms to the Office of Professional Development
The deadline for turning in your Time Sheet(s) and Supervisor Evaluation of Student form for the fall semester is the Friday before final examinations. The deadline during spring semester is the Friday before final examinations.听
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If you have questions or need assistance finding a volunteer opportunity, please contact the Office of Professional Development at opd@utoledo.edu or 419.530.2851.