This year's graduating class worked a record 14,133 pro bono hours throughout their time at the Law School, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to public service even while contending with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Class of 2021 celebrated this achievement at the Pro Bono Awards Ceremony, which was held via Zoom last month.

Seventy-two graduating students completed the Pro Bono Pledge to work 50 pro bono hours throughout law school, 26 of whom received the added distinction of Pro Bono Honors recognition for working 250 or more hours.

Evelyn Ayay, ’21, who engaged in 768 hours of pro bono service over the course of her Law School career, earned the Pro Bono Award of Excellence. Public interest awards presented at the ceremony included the 2L Public Service Award, which went to Erik Zimmerman, ’22, and the James C. Hormel Public Service Award, which went to Kyle Kent, '21. The Student Organization Pro Bono Award went to the National Lawyers Guild. Before students received their awards, Samira Nazem, ’10, Associate Director of Advocacy & Programs at the Chicago Bar Foundation, delivered the award ceremony's keynote address.

A full video of the ceremony can be viewed above. A list of those who earned Pro Bono Honors and completed the Pro Bono Pledge can be found below.