[ by Melanie Gretchen ] "As in giving something back to the community." Future lawyers in New York State soon will find the bar set higher than ever for passing the state's bar exam.  Beginning with the class of 2012, bar applicants must complete 50 hours of uncompensated work.  The news was announced at the Court of Appeals' annual Law Day celebration earlier this week. Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman said during his speech marking the occasion, the new requirement will give prospective lawyers valuable experience while providing the poor with expanded access to legal representation.  He added, "If you want the privilege and honor of practicing law in New York, you're going to have to demonstrate that you're committed to our values." About 10,000 people pass the bar exam in New York each year meaning the new requirement will increase pro bono service annually by some 500,000 hours.  Currently, many law schools in New York offer voluntary pro bono programs and at least 1, Columbia Law, requires pro bono services to graduate. Current Shortage. Today, only 20% of the need for civil legal services is being met, according to a task force appointed by the chief judge, despite newly added state funds earmarked for that purpose.  Judge Lippman said, "there isn't enough money in the world to meet the need," and "we need the continued individual efforts of lawyers doing their part." The Legal Aid Society of New York finds that it must turn away 8 out of every 9 people who seek free civil legal services from the group.  Attorney-in-chief Steven Banks says the pro bono requirement "will help us try to bridge that gap." For further details, go to [Reuters, 5/1/12].