Volunteer Lawyers:

Project Description:
Based at the Toronto Small Claims Court at 47 Sheppard Avenue and 161 Elgin Street in Ottawa, this project provides a range of duty counsel services and public legal education programs to unrepresented litigants. Clients can access the centre as often as they need and during any phase of their matter. Two lawyers from the roster attend the Law Help Centre each day and see a number of walk-in clients. While the project initially operated on Tuesdays and Thursdays with the support of volunteer lawyers from four firms -- Blakes, Faskens, Gowlings and McCarthys - it now operates from Monday to Friday and is open to lawyers at any firm.

Pro Bono Opportunities:

Participants have the opportunity to:

• Provide litigants with information about the laws and procedures of Small Claims Court;
• Provide procedural assistance to help litigants identify and complete the appropriate court forms;
• Identify the legal issues and available legal options; and
• Present the case and speak to the legal issues in court.

Volunteer Qualifications: This project is primarily aimed at junior lawyers but there are no experience restrictions. Completion of a CLE program and familiarity with the Small Claims Court rules is required. The CLE program can be tailored to ensure it is as convenient as possible for volunteers.

The time commitment for this project is one full day per quarter (or two half days) from 9:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Ready to Volunteer? Click Here to apply