Project Description:
Launched in February 2010, this project provides unrepresented litigants and Court of Appeal judges with the assistance of amicus duty counsel on motions pending appeals in the Court of Appeal. To optimize the effectiveness of this project, the Court of Appeal has agreed to schedule all motions pending appeal in a given week on Wednesdays. This will enable PBLO to create a roster of interested lawyers who can appear as amicus curiae in accordance with a schedule prepared as much in advance of hearing dates as possible.
Participants must be alert to the nature of the amicus curiae role in this project. The amicus will provide non-instructed advocacy to the Court of Appeal, but the purpose will be to raise issues (procedural and/or substantive) on behalf of the unrepresented litigants. This role best harmonizes the interests of the litigants in having his/her best legal foot put forward and the interest of justices in being assured that the case will move forward efficiently without sacrificing the need for both sides to be fairly heard.

Pro Bono Opportunities:
Pro Bono opportunities exist to become a member of this roster and appear as amicus curiae before the Ontario Court of Appeal.
Amicus days at the Court of Appeal: Every Wednesday. Volunteers are usually booked once per quarter.
Volunteer Qualifications:
Volunteers must be familiar with the rules governing civil appeals in the Court of Appeal.