WHAT IS PRO BONO GOING PUBLIC 2011?

This September, lawyers, law students and paralegals will provide free legal advice in the streets of Vancouver, Kelowna and Victoria in order to raise awareness and funds for BC's pro bono programs. The free legal advice-a-thon will facilitate access to justice for low- and modest-income people, including the homeless, by engaging lawyers, law students and paralegals in advising pre-scheduled and drop-in clients on all legal issues.

The open-air legal advice clinics will be held over three days— one day in each city— and will rely on the volunteer efforts of over 70 lawyers, law students and paralegals. Participants will be encouraged to obtain pledges from family, friends and co-workers in direct support of pro bono programs operated by Access Pro Bono.

Last year, we raised over $30,500 for pro bono programming in BC. This year, our goal is to raise $50,000, and we need your support to help us reach our target!

WHAT HAPPENED LAST YEAR?

Last year, over the three days in Victoria, Kelowna and Vancouver, 67 volunteer lawyers provided legal advice to 156 pre-booked and walk-up clients. The volunteer lawyers assisted clients on a range of legal matters including: civil, criminal, employment, family, tenant and landlord disputes and wills and estates.

The clients were overwhelmingly appreciative of the opportunity to receive free legal advice in such an accessible manner. Many of them expressed that the event renewed their faith in the kindness of lawyers, and alleviated stresses and fears that had accumulated over months and years.

Pro Bono Going Public 2010 also garnered excellent and extensive publicity in several media; including Global TV in Vancouver and Kelowna. The Vancouver Sun also featured a particularly positive editorial on pro bono in British Columbia at the time of the event. The following websites and online reporters also featured articles relating to the event: The Province, The Times Colonist, Abbotsford Times, The Westender, Kelowna Capital News, Vancouver Courier and Victoria News.

WHEN AND WHERE ARE THE OPEN-AIR CLINICS?

VANCOUVER

When: Friday, September 9, 2011 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Where: Victory Square Park

Victory Square Park is bordered by Cambie Street (east), Pender Street (south), Hamilton Street (west) and West Hastings Street (north).

KELOWNA

When: Tuesday, September 13, 2011 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Where: Rose Garden – City Park

Rose Garden – City Park is located on Abbott Street, directly across from the Travelodge.

VICTORIA

When: Friday, September 16, 2011 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Where: Centennial Square

Centennial Square is bordered by Douglas Street (east), Pandora Street (south), Government Street (west) and Fisgard Street (north).

HOW CAN I HELP THE CAUSE?

If you are a lawyer, law student or paralegal, you can help us by volunteering at one of our three open-air clinics. We encourage volunteers to donate one hour of their time, and to set a fundraising goal to raise as much as they can for APB's pro bono programs. Register as a volunteer by clicking here. Once registered, you can login to your account to customize your personal donation page, send emails to potential sponsors, manage offline pledges, and view the status of your fundraising efforts. We will award prizes to the top fundraisers!

Whether or not you are a lawyer, law student or paralegal, you can help us by sponsoring a participant as s/he provides free legal advice. Sponsor a volunteer by clicking here.

PLEASE NOTE: REGISTRATION WILL BEGIN ON JUNE 20, 2011

HOW CAN I GET FREE LEGAL ADVICE?

To book an appointment for free legal advice at one of our three open-air clinics, phone 1-877-762-6664 and ask if you qualify as a free legal advice-a-thon client.