Students, faculty and staff at the University of Oklahoma College of Law volunteered more than 8,000 hours of pro bono law-related work since May 1, 2008.

Those volunteers were recognized by Students for Access to Justice (SATJ) April 21at their Fourth Annual Recognition Reception in the Sneed Lounge of Coats Hall, home of the College of Law.

Sixty-three students, faculty and staff volunteered 8,372 hours. Twenty-two percent of the Class of 2009 volunteered a total of 4,000 hours this year and amassed 6,982 volunteer hours during their three years in law school.

Professor Judith Maute, who serves as the SATJ director, said, "That is a great indicator that this class has developed the 'pro bono habit.'"

The second-year class volunteered 2,219 hours and the first-year class, 232. Law faculty and staff contributed 1,920 hours of pro bono, public interest or law reform volunteer hours. Students working with Professor Jonathan Forman in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program contributed 1,142 volunteer hours and prepared more than 400 tax returns for low income taxpayers.

Maute spoke about the development and growth of SATJ during its five-year history. In addition, two student volunteers were recognized for exceptional pro bono service. Second-year student Hope Bryant volunteered 830 hours in the office of the District Attorney. Walt Crowell, third-year student, volunteered 676 hours in the same office.

Photo Provided

Law students, left to right, Greg Morgan, Amy Kamp, Mary Walters, Megan Hickman and Chase Schnebel, far right, pose with law Professor Judith Maute at the University of Oklahoma College of Law Students for Access to Justice Recognition Reception.