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Pro Bono Pro bono publico is a Latin term meaning "for the public good." For lawyers today, pro bono means to voluntarily contribute part of their time without charge or at substantially reduced rates, to establish or preserve the rights of disadvantaged individuals; and to provide legal services to assist organizations who represent the interests of, or who work on behalf of, members of the community of limited means or other public interest organizations, or for the improvement of laws or the legal system. Lawyers consider pro bono to be a valuable way to give back to the community and to help further the cause of justice in Canada. Pro bono work is not a substitute for adequate government funding of legal aid.

Mentorship Program * Congratulations to Lisa Belcourt of Ferguson Barristers LLP for winning the draw for the free iPod when she signed up to participate in the Pro Bono Mentorship Program during the Canadian Legal Conference (CLC) in Quebec City.* The CBA Pro Bono Committee needs your help. The Pro Bono Mentorship Program was successfully launched at the 2008 CLC last August. We received an encouraging amount of applications required to launch the program. We are continuing to accept applications to be a Mentor and are also now accepting applications to be a Mentee. What is the Pro Bono Mentorship Program? The Pro Bono Mentorship Program will support lawyers who are currently involved, or wish to be involved, in pro bono legal work, by connecting them with mentors who have experience in pro bono or in an area of law relevant to the pro bono work. Any lawyer, notary, or articling student who is a CBA member can be a mentee (a person who is mentored). Any practicing or retired member of a provincial or territorial bar or the Chambre des notaires who is a CBA member can be a mentor. The amount of time mentorship requires is up to the mentor and mentee involved. The Program suggests a minimum of one phone call a month to keep the relationship going. The formal mentorship lasts for one year. Specific details about the program are available by consulting out Pro Bono Mentorship Handbook or by contacting the staff coordinator. I want to participate. What now? Disclaimer: The CBA Pro Bono Mentorship Program is for CBA members who are lawyers, Quebec notaries, articling students or retired members of a provincial or territorial bar or the Chambre des notaries. The CBA Pro Bono Mentorship Program does not provide legal advice to the public, and does not arrange for pro bono legal services. If you are a member of the public requiring legal services, you may be eligible for legal aid. Please refer to the blue pages of your local telephone directory or consult the provincial and territorial legal aid service’s web pages. If you are not eligible for legal aid, and wish to find a lawyer to provide you with legal advice, please consult your local law society or the lawyer referral service operating in your jurisdiction. Below is a link to a list of lawyer referral services, which can provide a name of a lawyer willing to provide an initial consultation for free or at reduced rates: http://www.cba.org/CBA/Info/faq/referral.aspx Pro Bono Committee The Pro Bono Committee's mandate is to promote and facilitate pro bono service in the legal profession on an ongoing basis. The Committee is composed of representatives from all across Canada who are collectively committed to enhancing CBA pro bono initiatives. The CBA’s pro bono initiatives help to ensure access to justice for all Canadians. Publicizing lawyers’ pro bono work enhances the public image of the profession. More >> The Committee is looking for your success stories! Young Lawyers Pro Bono Award Every year, in recognition of the one lawyer who has made a significant pro bono contribution throughout Canada, the CBA's Young Lawyers' Conference presents its Pro Bono Award. The Award raises awareness of the importance of pro bono work, and honours the lawyer who has distinguished herself or himself in this area. More information, how to apply and recent winners

Checklists Deciding to take on a pro bono case involves a number of considerations. Prior to accepting a pro bono file, it may be helpful to reflect on a few questions. These checklists can help with your decision. CBA PracticeLink The ABCs of Creating a Pro Bono Policy for Your Law Firm A sample pro bono policy that lawyers can take and adapt to their own practices. More on CBA PracticeLink. National Magazine Clinical Success (Jan./Feb. 2007) Addendum (July 2006) Pro bono rising (Aug./Sept. 2004) Pro pro bono (.pdf) (June 2005) Pro Bono Students Canada: everyone wins (Fall 2003) More in National Magazine.