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 approximately 1,500 law students annually to provide free legal information and services in partnership with community organizations and supervising lawyers and notaries.
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
Xi Wang
(she/her)
Program Administrator
An integral part of PBSC's team, Xi is responsible for many of National Office's initiatives, including organizing the annual National Training Conference and managing PBSC’s national project database.
Xi brings more than seven years of administrative experience to PBSC. She spent the first five years in her hometown, Beijing, where she worked for one of China’s leading universities and then for two European diplomatic missions. Since moving to Toronto in January 2020, she has worked for educational institutions and a non-profit organization. She graduated from Capital Normal University in Beijing, with a BA in French Literature and Culture, and from Aix-Marseille University in Arles, with an MA in Administration in Cultural Institutions. In her free time, Xi enjoys taking care of her plants, watercolor painting, and biking.
Ruth Hobbis
(she/her)
Communications & Projects Coordinator
As Communications and Projects Coordinator, Ruth works with the National Office team to support and promote PBSC's A2J programming. She is committed to raising awareness of barriers to justice and the impactful work that PBSC and other organizations are doing to address these issues, and she is always excited to connect with our incredible students.
Ruth has more than five years of experience in administrative and communications roles at the University of Toronto and in international development. She completed a B.A. in Psychology from Queen’s University as well as further education in publishing and marketing. In her personal time, Ruth is a voracious reader and member of two book clubs.
Carolina Cuevas
(she/her)
Program Manager
Carolina is a passionate advocate for experiential learning, and supports PBSC's programming and Chapters across Canada. Originally from Buenos Aires, Carolina has more than 15 years of experience developing 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 managed internship, volunteer, employment and national exchange programs for charitable organizations. Carolina has a passion for languages, travel, and food. She considers herself a “chocoholic” and spends lots of time creating new recipes!
Charlée Tolliver
(she/her)
Program Officer
Charlée is a Program Officer at PBSC and oversees 11 of our Chapters across Canada. Prior to joining PBSC, Charlée coordinated mentorship programs, national/international articling placements and a legal resources database, which included access to justice initiatives. She also volunteered on a Diversity & Inclusion Council, where she advocated for organizational education initiatives and as a Mentor, where she provided educational and emotional support to high school students. Aside from her work experience, she has a B.A. from Dalhousie University and a Law Clerk diploma.
PBSC’s values of Dignity, Equity and Humility truly resonate with her, after her many years of experience working in the legal industry. In her spare time, Charlée enjoys roller blading, travelling, trying new eats and practicing Spanish when she has a chance.
Hilary Ingle
(she/her)
Program Manager
Hilary is Manager of PBSC’s Family Law Program. A graduate of the University of Toronto Faculty of Law, Hilary was called to the bar in 2018. Prior to joining the PBSC team, Hilary practiced family law at a well known boutique firm in Toronto. In addition to her private practice, Hilary provided pro bono services to women who experienced violence and low income Ontarians. Hilary is an advocate for practical learning opportunities, and sees tremendous value in what those opportunities provide to law students and an under resourced family law system.
Hilary is a proud patron of the Toronto Public Library, and is entirely devoted to her long-haired weiner dog, Jerry.
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.
Jason Goodman
(he/him)
Acting National Director
Jason is PBSC’s Acting National Director. He holds a J.D. from the University of Toronto Faculty of Law, and his career has spanned diverse roles in litigation, student programming, partnership management, and the delivery of pro bono services.
Jason practiced family law in Toronto for six years. During this time, he managed a well-known firm’s student program, served on multiple policy reform action groups, and delivered pro bono services through firm and public initiatives. He has extensive experience working with marginalized people in Ontario’s family law and child protection systems. In parallel to his legal practice, Jason recently served as the Director of Partnerships for a medical technology start-up where he developed and managed growth strategy and organizational partnerships. He enjoys spending his free time outdoors, hiking, cycling, and paddling with his partner and dog.
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.
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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.