A few months ago, we wrote about a new requirement likely to go into effect for newbie lawyers in New York.

In addition to having to pass one of the nation’s most difficult bar exams and providing evidence of “Good Moral Character, ” applicants to the New York bar would first have to complete 50 hours of pro bono work.

Well, on Wednesday, the law became reality. Starting in 2015, aspiring lawyers will first have to complete 50 hours of free legal service in order to practice law in the Empire State. The new rule, which represents the first of its kind in the country, was handed down on Wednesday by New York’s top judge, Jonathan Lippman.

“No matter how much money we’re able to get through public funding, a large part of this has to be pro bono service on the part of the bar, ” Lippman told Reuters.

According to the Reuters story, Judge Lippman said only 20 percent of the need for legal services is being met in New York. But he estimated the requirement will add as much as 500, 000 hours of pro bono service each year.

According to an earlier AP story, however, 21 law schools nationally require students to do pro bono work in order to graduate, and most others have clinics where students can do free work for the poor.

In other words, expect more states to follow New York’s lead.

Source: blogs.wsj.com