TORONTO, ON APRIL 4, 2024 –
PBSC is delighted to announce the continued support of the Family Justice Centre (FJC) by its Champion Partners, Epstein Cole LLP and Shulman & Partners LLP, through further tandem donations of $50,000 each.
The FJC was founded in 2020 with the financial and advisory support of Epstein Cole LLP and Legal Aid Ontario. Shulman & Partners LLP subsequently joined as an early partner of the program in 2021. Designed as an innovative response to the access to justice gap in Ontario’s family law system, the FJC brings together lawyers and law students from across the province to provide free family law advice and drafting services to self-represented litigants who do not qualify for legal aid but cannot afford a lawyer.
Unlike many other legal clinics, the FJC’s operations substantially rely on the volunteer service and financial support of the private family law bar, and Shulman & Partners LLP and Epstein Cole LLP have led by example in contributing to all facets of the program. Beyond the firms’ generous donations, their lawyers have provided guidance on programming, training of students, and significant volunteer support as members of our roster of Lawyer Supervisors, which has been instrumental to the growth and success of the program during its early years.
Speaking jointly on their commitment to the FJC, Ron Shulman, Managing Partner at Shulman & Partners LLP, and Roslyn Tsao, Managing Partner at Epstein Cole LLP, shared:
The work done by the FJC is critical to providing access to justice for the public, as well as guidance and mentorship for law students planning on entering the field of family law. We are inspired by the program’s progress, impact, and ambition, and we are proud to contribute to its mission, which closely aligns with our firms’ values. We are especially delighted to have our two firms collaborate in our support of the FJC, and we hope that this teamwork will inspire other firms and family law professionals in our community to join in and contribute. The program is creating a ripple effect of support and learning, with immediate benefits to clients amplified by the long-term benefits of training the next generation of family lawyers in skills, values, and perspectives that will empower them to carry on this pro bono work. A big thank you goes out to all the volunteer lawyers and donors who are making this possible!
PBSC echoes Roslyn’s and Ron’s gratitude to all of the Lawyer Supervisors, Clinic Supporters, and Friends of the FJC who contribute to this program, along with offering our special thanks to our Program Partner, Legal Aid Ontario, and our dedicated Champion Partners, Epstein Cole LLP and Shulman & Partners LLP. As shared by PBSC’s National Director, Dana Rotenberg, “Amidst a competitive legal industry, we are inspired by our Champion Partners coming together in support of the FJC in this significant and tangible way, which is propelling the FJC into its fourth year working to improve access to family justice for Ontarians.”
About Shulman & Partners LLP:
As a leader in family law across Ontario, Shulman & Partners LLP stands out with its expansive presence in Downtown Toronto, Vaughan, and Ottawa, delivering exceptional expertise in the field. They are among the largest specialized firms exclusively focusing on family law, embodying their passion, expertise, and profound understanding of the intricacies of family dynamics in every case they handle. Shulman & Partners continuously provides unparalleled results that illustrate their values of integrity, client satisfaction, and professionalism. They offer stability and control, guiding clients through challenging times with confidence, honesty, and transparency. Learn more about Shulman & Partners at https://shulman.ca.
About Epstein Cole LLP:
Epstein Cole LLP is the largest family law firm in Canada and a leader in shaping the law and providing access to justice for families. They enjoy a national and international reputation for handling sophisticated and difficult family law and related matters ranging from complex trust, property and support issues, to international child mobility and abduction cases, to inter-jurisdictional marriage contracts. They provide advice, counsel, representation, litigation and dispute resolution services for family law matters in Ontario and elsewhere. Clients and referring counsel can expect work of the highest calibre, exceptional client service, practical legal advice and cost-effective strategies to meet their ultimate goals. Learn more about Epstein Cole LLP at https://epsteincole.com.
About Pro Bono Students Canada:
PBSC envisions a society with accessible legal systems where the dignity and rights of every person are upheld. Each year, PBSC engages approximately 1,500 student volunteers working with community partners and under the supervision of pro bono lawyers and notaries to serve an estimated 12,000 people across Canada. The organization is guided by its three core values of dignity, equity, and humility. Learn more about PBSC at https://www.probonostudents.ca.
Contact:
Donor and Media Inquiries
Dana Rotenberg, National Director
416-946-5178
Lawyer/ Law Student Inquiries
Jason Goodman, Director, Family Justice
416-946-0519