About Access Pro Bono
Mission
Our mission is to promote access to justice in British Columbia by providing and fostering quality pro bono legal services to people and non-profit organizations of limited means.
Programs & Services
Pro Bono Legal Services
- Intake & Referrals – a first point of contact for people seeking pro bono legal help, and for lawyers seeking to provide pro bono legal services
- Legal Advice – over 100 legal advice clinics operating in communities throughout BC, including remote locations by televideo
- Legal Assistance & Representation - the BC-wide Roster Program, the Civil Chambers Duty Counsel Program in Vancouver, and the Children’s Lawyer Program in Nanaimo (Victoria location to be added in 2012)
Pro Bono Engagement
- National Projects – co-administration of national pro bono conferences and projects with sister pro bono organizations across Canada
- Training & Education – legal training and materials for pro bono lawyers through Continuing Legal Education courses, publications and web links
- Support Services – full insurance coverage for pro bono lawyers when providing approved legal services, and disbursement coverage for registered pro bono cases
- Policy & Program Development – advice for law firms developing formal pro bono policies and programs, and for partnerships between law firms and community organizations
Legal Advocacy & Outreach
- Events – hosting annual events including the Advice-a-thon and Ride for Justice to raise awareness of legal needs in BC
- Outreach – providing media information and making submissions on the gaps in legal help for low- and middle-income British Columbians
