British Columbia

Access Pro Bono Civil Chambers Project and Commercial Trials Assistance Program (UBC)

This project promotes access to justice in BC by providing and fostering quality pro bono legal services for people and non-profit organizations of limited means, in pursuit of creating a justice system in which having limited means is not a barrier to obtaining quality legal services. PBSC volunteers assist lawyers with pre-trial documents and legal research.

Access Pro Bono Roster Program

The Roster Program provides pro bono representation services for particular case types to qualifying individuals and non-profit organizations. Client applications are screened by APB staff and volunteer coordinators and then sent to a number of lawyers for their consideration. If a lawyer responds to the particular case, they choose the scope of their services. Insurance and disbursement coverage is made available to roster lawyers.

Access Pro Bono Paralegal Program

APB has partnered with the Vancouver Justice Access Centre and the Law Courts Centre to provide support for self-represented litigants who need assistance in preparing court documents. The Program is staffed by senior paralegals from several Vancouver law firms and legal supervision is provided by APB volunteer lawyers. The Program operates as a weekly evening clinic at the Vancouver Justice Access Centre at the downtown Vancouver courthouse.

Access Pro Bono Wills Clinic Project

APB, in partnership with the federal Department of Justice and the provincial Ministry of Justice, operates a weekly Will and Representation Agreement preparation clinic at the Vancouver Justice Access Centre for low-income seniors (ages 55+) and people with terminal illnesses.

Law Student's Legal Advice Program (LSLAP)

University of British Columbia law students provide free legal advice, drafting of legal documents and legal representation at clinics throughout Greater Vancouver. Legal representation is not guaranteed.

The People's Law School

This long-serving not-for-profit society located in Vancouver provides information about people's rights and responsibilities under the law through lectures and courses. Brochures, manuals and legal information are available in various languages (Japanese, Hindi, Urdu, Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese, etc).

Legal Services Society - LiveHelp (UBC and U Vic)

The Legal Services Society (LSS) is a non-profit organization created by the LSS Act in 1979 to provide legal information, advice, and representation services to people with low incomes. PBSC volunteers participate in the LiveHelp Project, an instant messaging service that the LSS has added to their Family Law Website (FLWS) so clients can ask questions and receive legal information online regarding family law issues in general as well as how to access information on the FLWS in particular.