Volunteer at Law Help Ontario

Pro Bono Law Ontario operates a number of pro bono litigation projects that serve the needs of unrepresented litigants in civil matters before Ontario courts. Depending on the project, low-income unrepresented litigants may be eligible for a number of services ranging from summary advice, discrete task assistance (such as completing forms or reviewing pleadings) and duty counsel appearances, to full representation. Regardless of the project, all clients are screened before referral to a pro bono lawyer. This screening helps ensure that pro bono services are being delivered to people who truly are in need and that clients are appropriately referred to the various projects. All of the projects are overseen by both a manager and lawyer/director and additionally staffed by project coordinators.

In addition to knowing that they are assisting deserving clients, law firms participating in PBLO's litigation projects benefit in at least the following ways:

1. The pro bono projects provide valuable experience and professional development opportunities, particularly to associates;
2. The pro bono projects give the firms a chance to contribute to their communities in ways that resonate with them and their clients;
3. The pro bono projects provide staff support that enable lawyers to effectively manage their time commitments to pro bono matters; and
4. The pro bono projects have a rigorous intake process that ensures the time lawyers spend is focused on areas that engage the lawyers' interests and expertise