FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
APRIL 12, 2001

VANCOUVER–Members of the media are invited to promote and participate in Law Week 2001: A Legal Odyssey.

Two free events on Saturday April 28, 2001 are of particular interest to the public:

Toll Free Access to Lawyers: 10:00 am-2:00 pm
Public Open House at Vancouver Public Library Downtown: 1:00-4:00 pm

The Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch works with its partners in the justice system to bring together hundreds of schools, community groups, media outlets and legal organizations to celebrate the Law and its contribution to our society. Funding is generously provided by the Law Foundation of BC, the Law Society of BC, and the Vancouver Bar Association.

Throughout BC, communities will be hosting speaker events, short story and home page contests, mock trials, a Lawyers Charity 2001 Grouse Grind Run, and the toll-free Dial-a-Lawyer Day. One of the most important events to be held this year is an Open House at the Vancouver Public Library downtown. Displayers from all parts of the justice system will be providing information and activities to promote the law and to educate the public about the justice system.

Opening Ceremonies at the Public Library Open House will include addresses by Stephen Owen, MP, a representative of the Attorney General of BC, and Vancouver City Mayor Philip Owen. Media are invited to attend this public event.

For more information, please contact:
Caroline Nevin, Director, Communications & Public Affairs
Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch
T: 604.687.3404 x320
Toll Free 1.888.687.3404

“Dial-A-Lawyer” Brings Free Legal Consultation to the Public
Do you need quick legal advice? The objective of the Dial-A-Lawyer one-day program is to offer people, who might otherwise not contact a lawyer, the opportunity to seek free legal advice. Last year 575 members of the public called the Dial-A-Lawyer program.

Here’s how it works: The Canadian Bar Association organizes the day and hosts volunteer lawyers who specialize in different areas of practice, eg, criminal law, family law, immigration law. Those lawyers then answer questions from the public related to their area of practice. Members of the public are asked to limit their consultation to 15 minutes. The Dial-A-Lawyer program has proven to be a marvelous way to remove the “mystique” from both lawyers and the justice system.

It’s simple! If you’d like to speak with a lawyer about a law-related question, on April 21 between 10 am and 2 pm call 687.3221 or 687.4680 or outside the Lower Mainland call 1.800.663.1919 or 1.800.565.5297.

Law Week Open House
As part of the continuing tradition of educating Canadians about their justice system, there will be an open house at the Vancouver Public Library Main Branch. On Saturday, April 28 from 1- 4 pm displays (by partners in the justice system), videos, and guest speakers will give people an inside look at all aspects of how the law works.

Inaugural Grouse Grind Challenge
The Law Week Grouse Grind Challenge will be held on Sunday, April 29, 2001. This event, designed for lawyers, their families, and law firm staff, will raise money for the Urban Native Youth program in Vancouver’s inner city. Individuals and teams will compete for prizes based on sponsorship dollars raised and finishing times.

*Nationally, the CBA represents the interests of more than 36,000 members. In addition to being a professional resource for its members, the CBA works to improve access to justice for all Canadians and assists the federal and provincial governments through legislation and law reform programs.