Gillian D. Marriott, Q.C. Executive Director Creating and promoting pro bono opportunities for Alberta lawyers

Who We Are In 2007, the Law Society of Alberta established Pro Bono Law Alberta (PBLA) as its centenary legacy project. PBLA’s mission is to improve access to justice by increasing the scope and availability of pro bono legal services to Albertans of limited means. We work with law firms and community organizations to promote and assist with pro bono service delivery and expand awareness of pro bono opportunities.

Creating and Promoting Pro Bono Opportunities Pro Bono Law Alberta works to promote access to justice by: Creating pro bono opportunities for Alberta lawyers Working with law firms to develop pro bono policies and projects Leveraging pro bono resources in the community Enhancing the growth of a pro bono culture in the legal profession PBLA does this through partnerships, collaborative projects, and events that involve the legal community and the pro bono clinics. As we are not a direct service provider, PBLA works primarily with the legal community to encourage pro bono service, which in turn benefits low income Albertans.

Civil Claims Duty Counsel (CCDC) Provides legal assistance to Albertans engaged in Provincial Court civil proceedings, who would otherwise be unrepresented – Summary legal advice; procedural info; help with trials, motions, and other appearances; help filling out forms Offices in Calgary and Edmonton Staffed by volunteer lawyers (9 participating firms in each city) and law students – 177 volunteer lawyers and 14 law students in Calgary – 87 volunteer lawyers and 32 law students in Edmonton Informs and prepares litigants; eases strain on court system Unique professional development opportunity for lawyers and students

Volunteer Lawyer Services (VLS) A service that matches volunteer lawyers with clients who are in need of legal assistance but unable to pay Originally served non-profit organizations, but expanded in April 2011 to serve low- income individuals by referral from Legal Aid and pro bono clinics In 2011, match rate was 44% for individuals; 73% for organizations 142 volunteer lawyers participate in VLS, 21 in the Human Rights Project, and 11 in the Veterans Affairs Project In the works: Alberta Securities Commission Project, Innocence Project

Legal Grounds Advice Clinic Provide free legal advice and information to the public in a friendly, approachable environment over a free cup of coffee Individuals receive 30 minutes of free legal advice from a volunteer lawyer Volunteer paralegals assist with legal forms and client flow; Calgary Legal Guidance on hand to provide Non- Governmental IDs 95 individuals received legal advice at the 2012 Calgary Legal Grounds PBLA has organized Legal Grounds Clinics in Calgary, Lethbridge, Blairmore, Medicine Hat, and Brooks, with plans to bring the clinic to Fort McMurray in 2013.

Legal Information Videos 4 Public Legal Education Videos – Civil Claims – Courtroom Etiquette – Landlord & Tenant – Foreclosure Produced by PBLA, the Canadian Bar Association – Alberta Branch, and members of the Alberta judiciary Available for public view at Alberta courthouses, PBLA website, and YouTube PBLA is currently investigating wider distribution to public libraries and community organizations

Raising the Pro Bono Bar A celebration for the legal profession An opportunity to recruit new volunteer lawyers and recognize current volunteers PBLA hosts, in collaboration with pro bono clinics Events took place in Grande Prairie (pictured), Lethbridge, and Edmonton; plans to host in Calgary and Red Deer in 2013

Resource Bank Promotes sharing of resources, information, and knowledge between volunteer lawyers and pro bono organizations in Alberta – Web links – Court forms – Updated legislation – Cheat sheets & quick reference guides Access limited to lawyers, articling students, law students, and members of legal clinics and organizations – 129 members as of November 2012

Centre for Newcomers Immigration Clinic Joint project between PBLA, Calgary Legal Guidance, and the Centre for Newcomers Monthly immigration & family law information clinic Supported by volunteer lawyers from Gowlings and the Family Law Office 4 clinics have taken place since June 2012 Genesis Legal Clinic Joint project between PBLA, Calgary Legal Guidance, and Legal Aid Alberta Free drop-in legal clinic to be held at Genesis Centre in NE Calgary Pilot project will include weekly or bi-weekly clinics offering summary legal advice beginning January 2013

PBLA Brokered Projects Federal Justice Litigation Project (2012) – at the request of the Department of Justice and other pro bono organizations, PBLA drafted a service delivery model in partnership with Edmonton Community Legal Centre Youville Legal Clinic (2010) – Youville Recovery Residence for Women, and a group of lawyers practicing in association with Campbell O’Hara Pathways to Pro Bono Project, Edmonton (2010) – Field Law and Boyle McCauley Health Centre Pathways to Housing The Alex Pathways to Housing Pro Bono Project (2009) – Davis LLP and The Alex Pathways to Housing Calgary Women’s Centre Legal Advice Clinic / Volunteer Lawyer Project (2008) – Association of Women Lawyers Child Advocacy Pro Bono Project (2007) – Borden Ladner Gervais LLP and Children’s Legal and Educational Resource Centre

Creating and promoting pro bono opportunities for Alberta lawyers We couldn’t do it without your support!