The CBA and the Law Society of BC struck a committee in October 1998 to consider how best to promote pro bono legal activity within BC. The Committee has found that there are a significant number of community groups currently providing pro bono legal services. Many of these groups need lawyers who are willing to volunteer their time in assisting the poor with legal problems.

One of the groups that has performed a vital role in our community is the Battered Women’s Support Services (BWSS). BWSS, a non-profit society, was founded in 1979 to support battered women, which includes ensuring that women have access to justice. The Law Foundation of BC recently granted funding to BWSS to establish a women’s legal clinic pilot project. The clinic will open in January 2000 at the offices of BWSS.

A number of lawyers have consistently made a valuable contribution to the work of BWSS. However, more assistance is needed from the profession. Specifically, BWSS is seeking volunteer lawyers who are prepared to contribute their time in assisting women at the clinic. To volunteer or to obtain more information on BWSS, please call Christina Antonick or Veenu Saini at 604.687.1867.

For more information on Pro Bono work in BC, please contact Carman Overholt at 604.631.1203.

Volunteers Needed
The Battered Women’s Support Services is looking for lawyers who practise in family, immigration and criminal law areas, and who would be willing to contribute a few hours each month to advise women at the clinic. To volunteer or to obtain more information regarding the program, please call Christina Antonick or Veenu Saini at 604.687.1867.

This article was published in the December 1999 issue of BarTalk. © 1999 The Canadian Bar Association. All rights reserved.