Pro Bono Ontario organizes pro bono opportunities so that lawyers of all stripes — from large firms to sole practitioners, to in-house counsel and government lawyers, to new calls and retired lawyers — can give back to the community. PBO has been helping Ontario’s legal profession ensure that children and families, newcomers, seniors and countless others access the legal assistance they need and deserve.
PBO and Ontario’s lawyers are making justice accessible. As our legal landscape changes and the demand for our combined expertise grows, PBO is strengthening its capacity to support and influence our new reality.
BECOME A PBO VOLUNTEER
PBO creates and manages programs serving civil litigants, children and charities/non-profits. We provide meaningful pro bono opportunities and accommodate the expertise and schedules of volunteers whether they are sole practitioners, employed at large firms, corporations or government and whether they are law students or retired.
Lawyers can volunteer to provide public legal education, summary advice, brief services (like amicus and duty counsel appearances) and full representation. Law students and NCA applicants can complete volunteer internships at Law Help Ontario.
We support our volunteers by:
- Ensuring that clients are screened for eligibility.
- Adhering to best practices that mitigate risk. As of writing there is a zero claims history for pro bono work done through PBO.
- Providing free, accredited CPD training.
- Providing mentorship whenever possible.
If you are interested in applying to volunteer with us as a lawyer, click here.
If you are interested in applying to volunteer with us as a student, click here.
PBO has worked with LawPRO to extend malpractice coverage for lawyers who volunteer for our programs. Click here for more information about LawPRO’s pro bono coverage.
PBO has also worked with the Law Society of Upper Canada to address various barriers to pro bono participation such as mitigating licensing fees for retired lawyers or lawyers in the 25% and 50% fee categories as well as special conflicts of interest exemptions at our court-based self-help centres.
Unable to volunteer time at the moment? Consider a financial contribution instead. Click here to learn more.