Pro bono: what's in it for law students? The students' perspective

In England and Wales, there is an increasing need for the provision of pro bono legal services. Law students may be a resource that can help fill the access to justice gap, whilst at university and onwards in their future careers. Whilst some students are intrinsically motivated towards altruistic behaviour, many are not. This article will consider what motivates students to undertake pro bono work whilst at law school. The article will explore the range of intrinsic and extrinsic motivating factors for student participation in pro bono programmes and consider how students can be encouraged to engage in such activities. The article will also consider whether exposure to pro bono experience can instil a public service ethos in students. In conclusion, the article will highlight experience as an influential factor in encouraging initial participation in pro bono work but also instilling a willingness to undertake pro bono work in the future.