ABOUT US
We envision a society with accessible legal systems, where the dignity and rights of every person are upheld. Our mission is to provide free legal support to people and communities facing barriers to justice.
OUR VALUES
dignity
We believe that every person is entitled to respect, to have their voice heard, and to fully enjoy their rights.
equity
We stand for substantive equality, inclusion, and diversity in all its forms. We focus on impact (not just good intentions).
humility
We prioritize listening, learning, and self-reflection. We value the wisdom of the communities we serve, and their lived experiences inform our work.
OUR APPROACH
COLLABORATIVE
We engage 1,700+ law students annually to provide free legal information and services in partnership with community organizations and supervising lawyers.
VISIONARY
We cultivate future leaders, advocates and allies through training and experiential learning opportunities. PBSC has student-led Chapters at 22 law schools in Canada.
RESPONSIVE
Our Chapters respond to local needs in their communities across all areas of law. At PBSC National, we develop programs that address complex and systemic inequities.
OUR TEAM
Jeanne Arbez
(she/her)
Program Administrator
An integral part of PBSC's team, Jeanne is responsible for many of National Office's initiatives, including organizing the annual National Training Conference and managing PBSC’s national project database.
Her interest in social justice was piqued through her studies in sociology and social service work (with a focus on issues pertaining to immigrants and refugees), a path that led her to roles with an international NGO, a national literacy organization, and a women's shelter prior to joining PBSC. Jeanne loves travelling and taught English in Japan for three years. Her superpower is crocheting.
Shannon Code
(she/her)
Communications & Projects Coordinator
A lifelong learner, Shannon recently left behind her communications career in the legal sector to pursue postgraduate studies in international development and public policy. Prior to joining PBSC, she spent five years working in the marketing departments of Bay Street law firms. As PBSC's Communications & Projects Coordinator, Shannon bridges this experience, working with the team to support national a2j programming efforts and promote PBSC's impact.
To decompress, Shannon enjoys making up recipes with whatever is in the fridge and scheduling yoga classes for the week ahead that she never actually makes it to.
Carolina Cuevas
(she/her)
Program Officer
Carolina is a passionate advocate for experiential learning, and supports 11 of our PBSC Chapters across Canada. Originally from Buenos Aires, Carolina has more than 10 years of experience supporting and managing educational programs within both the private sector and non-profit organizations.
She has developed and facilitated French language training programs for several Bay Street law firms and charitable organizations; managed internship, volunteer, employment and national exchange programs; and volunteers her time with literacy programs for school boards. Carolina has a passion for languages, travel, and food. She considers herself a “chocoholic” and spends lots of time creating new recipes!
Tristan Mohamed
(he/him)
Program Officer
Tristan oversees 12 of our Chapters across Canada in his role as Program Officer at PBSC. A lawyer and graduate from the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law, Tristan left his career in private practice with an eye to focus on advocating for access to justice through community-driven change. He believes strongly in the empowerment of students to promote pro bono as a tool for systemic change in the legal sector.
Prior to joining PBSC, Tristan worked for a national charitable organization advancing human rights through training and mentorship initiatives. Tristan is frequently found hiking, on his meditation cushion, or on his third lunch of the day.
Dana Rotenberg
(she/her)
Program Manager
Dana is Manager of PBSC's Family Law Program (FLP). A graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School, she was called to the Bar of Ontario in 2011. After practicing family law in Toronto, Dana joined Community and Legal Aid Services Programme (CLASP) as Review Counsel, where she she was responsible for developing CLASP's Family Law Division in response to the immense need for quality family law services for persons experiencing barriers to justice.
Dana was previously an adjunct professor at Osgoode, and a Mentor and Assessor for Ryerson University’s Law Practice Program (LPP), where she supported law licencing candidates as they developed their understanding of legal practice and professionalism. She has recently become a jigsaw puzzle enthusiast.
Julia Tousaw
(she/her)
Program Manager
Julia is Program Manager for PBSC's pilot Indigenous Human Rights Program. A graduate of the Charter class at the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law at Lakehead University, Julia's studies focused on Aboriginal and Indigenous law. Prior to joining PBSC, she represented and provided legal counsel to Indigenous persons, organizations, and First Nations in a broad civil litigation practice.
She has a particular interest in the ways that Indigenous and non-Indigenous lawyers can work together to further the advancement of Indigenous laws and facilitate access to justice for Indigenous persons.
Julia is published in the Indigenous Law Journal and speaks French. She can play a mean tune on the fiddle, though she never knows what key she's in.
Brittany Twiss
(she/her)
National Director
Brittany joined PBSC as National Director in April 2019. She holds a J.D. with a specialization in Social Justice from the University of Ottawa and a B.A. (Hons) from Queen's University. Prior to taking the helm of PBSC, Brittany spent five years as the Executive Director of a Canadian charity focused on disrupting inequitable access to justice. During that tenure, Brittany developed a celebrated nation-wide justice education program for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit youth; launched an empathy and inter-cultural competency training program for legal professionals; and built a prominent mentorship and research program for law students focused on advancing human rights globally.
Prior to becoming a non-profit leader, Brittany practiced family law in Toronto. She spends her free time chasing around her lively toddler in Prince Edward County.
NATIONAL FUNDERS
Leaders in the industry, our national funders and partners make PBSC's mission possible.
Principal Funder
Founding Partner
National Law Firm Partner
National Research Partner
CHAPTER FUNDERS
We are grateful to our Chapter funders, and our 22 law school partners across Canada, for championing PBSC's work and impact.
PROGRAM FUNDERS
We are grateful to our program funders, whose generosity supports the development of PBSC's innovative access to justice programs.
ADVISORY BOARD
PBSC’s Advisory Board brings together the knowledge and experience of legal leaders from across Canada to advance our mission.
Comprising community members, partner organizations, former PBSC students, and Faculty of Law representatives, our distinguished Advisory Board provides strategic guidance and support to PBSC's leadership team.
land acknowledgment
HURON-WENDAT, SENECA & MISSISSAUGAS OF THE CREDIT FIRST NATION
We wish to acknowledge the land on which PBSC's National Office operates. For thousands of years it has been the traditional land of the Huron-Wendat, the Seneca, and the Mississaugas of the Credit. Today, this meeting place is still the home to many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island and we are grateful to have the opportunity to work on this land.