University of Victoria
Welcome to the University of Victoria Chapter of PBSC
WHO WE ARE
Pro Bono Students Canada (PBSC) is the world’s only national pro bono organization and Canada’s only national law student program. In PBSC’s first year, in 1996, it involved approximately 50 students and a handful of organizations at one law school in Ontario; today, the program has expanded to every single law school in Canada. Founded in 2004,the University of Victoria Chapter of Pro Bono Students Canada has grown quickly to become an integral part of many law students’ educational experience. Many students come to UVic with the goal of effecting positive social change and serving the public good. PBSC-UVic gives them the chance to do just that while they are still in school, while increasing access to justice in our local community.
WHAT WE DO
The University of Victoria Chapter of Pro Bono Students Canada serves as a linchpin between the legal need in Victoria and the organizations and lawyers who are committed to making legal services accessible. The program assists non-profit organizations to provide legal support to their clients, teaches students some of the practical aspects of law, and builds lasting partnerships that serve the community and the legal profession. PBSC-UVic places students with incorporated non-profit organizations or lawyers working on pro bono cases. We take a broad approach to public-interest law, working not only with organizations servicing disadvantaged communities, but also with organizations that serve the public good in other ways such as museums, art events, co-ops or heritage trusts.
“By being part of Pro Bono Students Canada, you are part of one of the most visionary undertakings I’ve seen in 40 years at the bar”.
~Hon. Madam Justice Rosalie Silberman Abella, Supreme Court of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario
Important Dates for 2012
- Dates T.B.A for September 2012 Events
________________________________________________________________
Information for Students:
- 2011-2012 Volunteer Postings
- Volunteer Application Form
- Student Agreement Form PDF
- Detailed Workplan Template
- UVIC GENERAL TRAINING POWERPOINT
Just FYI for Students:
- The Benefits of Volunteering with PBSC
- Pro Bono Law Firm Guide for Students (Last Updated 2007-2008)
Information for Organizations:
Information for Lawyers:
The National Office of PBSC provides support to all 21 PBSC Chapters, providing training and support to Program Coordinators across Canada, and developing and monitoring pilot projects. For more information about Pro Bono Students Canada National Office, please click here.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR CHAPTER AND HOW YOU CAN BE INVOLVED:
The University of Victoria Chapter of Pro Bono Students Canada gratefully acknowledges the support of: 
Our primary funder – The Law Foundation of British Columbia
PBSC-National’s primary funder – The Law Foundation of Ontario
PBSC-National’s law funder and firm partner – McCarthy Tetrault, LLP
We are also grateful for the in-kind donations provided by the University of Victoria and the local community!
________________________________________________________________
HELPFUL LEGAL INFORMATION LINKS AND RESOURCES:
The Law Centre A service of the University of Victoria, Faculty of Law. It provides advice, assistance and representation to clients who cannot afford a lawyer. Fee legal representation is for those who are qualified for legal assistance. Legal Services Society (To qualify for legal assistance a one-person household must have a net monthly income of less than $1420; 2-person/$1980; 3-person/$2540; 4-person/$3100; 5-person/$3660; 6-person/$4230; 7+persons/$4800). A Legal Toolkit for New Immigrants in BC Legal Help for Rural British Columbians: PDF Legal Guide for Rural BC Legal Advice Manual- U.B.C. LAW STUDENTS’ LEGAL ADVICE MANUAL 34th EDITION (2010) The People’s Law School- See “Publications” Dial-A-Law BC Centre for Elder Advocacy Support Disability Advocacy- BC Coalition of People with Disabilities (BCCPD) Residential Tenancy Branch Public Guardian and Trustee of British Columbia Office of the Ombudsperson Free BC Crown Publications BC Families in Transition Legal Support BC Human Rights Coalition BC Human Rights Tribunal MS Society- Volunteer Legal Advocacy Program Publications AdviceScene Canada
ONLINE TRAINING COURSES FOR STUDENTS AND PROFESSIONALS:
Online Poverty Law Training Course Office to Combat Trafficking in Persons, Online Training Course
