Language Bank

Often attorneys working for non- profit public interest organizations or at private firms on pro bono matters represent non-English speaking clients and lack the financial resources to hire an interpreter.  They often have to rely on family members to interpret for the client. This is inappropriate in many cases.  Law students who speak and read a language other than English can assist those attorneys in interviewing and communicating with non-English speaking clients.  Students who are interested in donating their time on a pro bono basis are encouraged to sign up for the language bank.  Attorneys with need for assistance may contact Emory Law on an ad hoc basis.  Past requests been for speakers of Arabic, Turkish, Portuguese, Spanish, French and Korean and also for American Sign Language.  Law students are not formally trained and certified interpreters and do not substitute for certified interpreters provided to litigants by the courts.

Registration

To register with the language bank, please use the form below. Registration in the language bank does not guarantee that you will be asked to assist with a  pro bono matter nor will you be required to undertake a specific project if your assistance is requested.  By registering however, you agree that your contact information may be given by the pro bono project coordinator to anyone approved by her for pro bono assistance.
Hours accrued assisting an attorney under this program should be reported as pro bono hours using the form found here.