WHAT IS PRO BONO GOING PUBLIC 2013?

This September, lawyers will once again provide free legal advice in the streets of New Westminster, Vancouver and Victoria and for the first time in Kamloops and Surrey - 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 in advising pre-scheduled and drop-in clients on all legal issues.

The open-air legal advice clinics will be held over five days— one day in each city— and will rely on the volunteer efforts of over 100 lawyers. Participating lawyers 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 $60,000 for pro bono programming in BC. This year, our goal is to raise $65,000, and we need your support to help us reach our target!

WHAT HAPPENED LAST YEAR?

Last year, over the four days in Vancouver, New Westminster, Kelowna and Victoria, a total of 109 volunteer lawyers provided legal advice to 202 pre-booked and walk-up clients. The volunteers 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 2012 also garnered excellent and extensive publicity in several media outlets; including CBC Radio, CFAX Radio, CKNW, the Vancouver Sun and several local newspapers.

WHEN AND WHERE ARE THE OPEN-AIR CLINICS?

NEW WESTMINSTER

When: Wednesday, September 4, 2013 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Where: Hyack Square

Hyack Square is located at the foot of 8th Street at Columbia Street.

VANCOUVER

When: Friday, September 6, 2013 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).

KAMLOOPS (NEW LOCATION)

When: Tuesday, September 10, 2013 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Where: Riverside Park

Located off of Lorne Street West and 1st Avenue, east of the Rotary Bandshell.

VICTORIA

When: Tuesday, September 13, 2013 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).

SURREY (NEW LOCATION)

When: Tuesday, September 17, 2013 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Where: Holland Park

Holland Park is located at the South West corner of King George Highway and Old Yale Road.

HOW CAN I HELP THE CAUSE?

If you are a lawyer, you can help us by volunteering at one of our five open-air clinics. We encourage volunteer lawyers to donate one or more hours of their time, and to raise an amount equal to or above their billable rate. Register as a lawyer by clicking here (coming soon). 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, you can help us by sponsoring a lawyer as s/he provides free legal advice. Sponsor a lawyer by clicking here (coming soon).

PLEASE NOTE: REGISTRATION WILL BEGIN ON JUNE 26, 2013

HOW CAN I GET FREE LEGAL ADVICE?

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