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Welcome to Pro Bono Students Canada at Windsor Law

Our Mandate 

Pro Bono Students Canada (PBSC) is a national program that was officially launched at the University of Windsor, Faculty of Law in 1998. The primary function of this program is to match law student volunteers with community agencies that have a need for legal services but have insufficient resources to compensate legal counsel. Agencies typically involved in Pro Bono Students Canada include public interest and non-profit organizations, tribunals, legal clinics and lawyers working pro bono on a particular case. Law student volunteers complete legal research or other law-related projects for member organizations over the course of the academic year under the supervision of a lawyer mentor. 

Pro Bono Students Canada originated at the Faculty of Law at the University of Toronto in 1996 where it continues to be headquartered. Every law school in Canada has a Pro Bono Students Canada Program, making PBSC the only national pro bono law student organization in the world! In Ontario the Pro Bono program has been generously funded by the Law Foundation of Ontario.

Participation

For Students …
Top 10 Reasons to become invovled with PBSC:

  1. Gain “hands on” legal experience
  2. Exposure to diverse areas of the law that will help you assess future career options
  3. Unique leadership opportunities
  4. Improve your legal research and writing skills
  5. Promote access to justice
  6. Give back to the community
  7. Network with legal professionals and community organizations
  8. Build your résumé
  9. Join a national movement that is making a difference
  10. PBSC events: get involved, meet people, and have fun!

To learn more, read the following letter from The Right Honourable Chief Justice of Canada, Beverley McLachlin, P.C. 

Letter From The Supreme Court of Canada

For Community Organizations or Lawyers … 
By participating in PBSC, you and organizations can:

  • Better provide underrepresented and disadvantaged communities with pro bono legal work;
  • Have access to highly skilled, committed, and enthusiastic law student volunteers;
  • Mentor law students and network with Windsor Law Faculty and Staff members;
  • Attend PBSC events; and
  • Be nominated for The Canadian Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Pro Bono Award!

Help us Continue our Success!
All across the country Pro Bono Students Canada Student Coordinators are looking for new placements and supervising lawyers to aid in the accomplishment of our goals. Please contact the nearest office to become involved.

 

 

Principal Funder: The Law Foundation of Ontario

Law Firm Partner: McCarthy Tetrault LLP