Incoming Law Students Extend Helping Hand to Waverly Schools
Community Service Important to Legal Careers

Aug. 26, 2022

After a week of previewing their course work, networking with legal professionals, and socializing together, first-year students at Michigan State University College of Law ended Foundations Week with volunteer work. They cleaned classrooms, raked leaves, and pulled weeds at elementary, middle, and high schools in the nearby Waverly Community Schools.

“I’m so thankful MSU law students are here helping us,” said Mike Moreno, principal of Waverly Middle School. “They are making our school look beautiful inside and out. This is what giving back really means.”

Pro bono, Latin phrase that means “for the public good,” is the act of professional work undertaken voluntarily and without payment. These acts of providing services without compensation is expected in the legal field. And MSU Law students were happy to participate.

“This day correlates with pro bono work we will be doing in the future,” said student Estephanie Torres, of Newark, N.J. “I’m happy we were able to get together today and give back to the community.”

Mackenzie Bailey, of Macomb, Mich., said: “This bridges the gap of doing service along with being an attorney. Lansing is a big community so I’m glad we are giving back and getting connected now.”