Pro Bono Students Canada (PBSC) is a multiple award-winning law student program that provides legal services without charge to organizations and individuals in need in Canada. We are the only national law student program in Canada, the only national pro bono program in the country, and the only national pro bono service organization anywhere in the world. PBSC has chapters at all 21 law schools in Canada. Each year, PBSC provides about 1600 law students with volunteer opportunities to develop their legal skills by serving over 400 organizations from coast to coast. PBSC volunteers increase access to justice in Canada by providing high quality, professional legal assistance to vulnerable populations and individuals. By exposing law students to the value of pro bono service, PBSC aims to encourage the next generation of lawyers to make pro bono service an everyday part of their practice.
- University of Manitoba
- “I couldn't be more pleased with the work from our University of Manitoba PBSC student, drafting case briefs on new human rights decisions for our educational programs. I haven't had to change a word!”
- Sarah Lugtig, former counsel, Manitoba Human Rights Commission
- University of Ottawa (Common Law)
- “Without seeming too corny or idealistic, it’s rewarding to know that my volunteer work with PBSC is furthering a cause which I believe can only be beneficial for all Canadians.”
- Carl O’Brien, student, University of Ottawa (Common Law)
- University of New Brunswick
- “The best part of the Family Law Legal Information Project (FLLIP) at UNB is that our clients get to sit with someone for up to two hours who actually spends the time explaining legal concepts. Having access to somebody who can explain a certain legal term or concept means a lot.”
- Kathy Moulton, founder of FLLIP and University of New Brunswick PBSC Coordinator 2009-2010
- University of Alberta
- “I have no doubt that the demand for the PBLA-PBSC Duty Counsel project in Edmonton will continue to grow and grow. My last client said as he left at four pm: ‘I really had been losing faith in the legal system and did not think much of lawyers. You guys today really turned me around.’ Made my day!”
- Brian Summers
- University of Windsor
- “Lawyers are in a position to provide a fundamental service that most people will be in need of at some point in their lives. There is a growing need for social justice, and the PBSC program instilled this notion in not only me, but the entire student body.”
- Sonal Kulkarni, student, University of Windsor
- University of Ottawa (Civil Law)
- “PBSC teaches law students to become responsible members of the legal profession and to become lawyers who care about access to justice. It does so by helping community groups achieve their goals and meet their legal needs. CCLA could not operate without PBSC, and we are thankful every day for the support that we get from their students! ”
-Nathalie Des Rosiers, General Counsel, Canadian Civil Liberties Association
