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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.  YL-CBA launches Pro Bono Call-in Day as part of National Pro Bono Week An exciting new YL-CBA initiative will be launched in Halifax and Regina to coincide with National Pro Bono Week, Oct. 25 - 31, 2009.  Pro Bono Call-In Day will give people in Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan of limited means the opportunity to speak to a lawyer to ask their legal questions during specified times. The pilot project seeks to improve access to justice by providing pro bono legal services. Information about this and other pro bono events happening across Canada throughout National Pro Bono week is available on the Pro Bono Week Canada website. Pro Bono Call-in Day Details: In Halifax, Pro Bono Call-in Day is Wednesday, Oct. 28 from 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. The call-in number is 1.800.665.9779, or 902.455.3135 within HRM. This event is made possible by YL-CBA, in partnership with the Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia (LISNS). In Regina, Pro Bono Call-in Day is Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. The call-in number is toll free 1.877.569.8272. This event is made possible by YL-CBA, in partnership with Pro Bono Law Saskatchewan and the Public Legal Education Association of Saskatchewan.

Pro bono Legal Services and Access to Justice The Human Rights Research and Education Centre and the Faculty of Common Law Professionalism Speakers Series are pleased to invite you to an evening to explore the role of pro bono legal services in the pursuit of social justice. Moderated by: Prof Robert Granfield, University of Ottawa Visiting Fulbright Chair in Human Rights and Social Justice, and Professor and Department Chair, Department of Sociology, State University of New York at Buffalo Panelists: Rebecca Bromwich, Lawyer, Staff Liaison Pro Bono Committee, Canadian Bar Association Nathalie DesRosiers, General Counsel, Canadian Civil Liberties Association Paul Champ, Champ & Assoicates. David Scott, Co-chairperson, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP Building on his deep understanding of the US experience with pro bono legal services and access to justice, Prof. Granfield will moderate a discussion with distinguished Canadian legal experts who have played a variety of roles in relation to pro bono legal services including former members of the Board of Pro Bono Law Ontario, active recruiters of pro bono legal services, pro bono practitioners, law school deans, and researchers. Is doing a good thing always a good thing? Come and join the discussion. A light supper will be served. Please note that this event will take place in English. Questions and comments in French are welcome.   Date:         Monday, 6 December 2010, 5:30-7:30 pm Location:  University of Ottawa, 550 Cumberland St. (Tabaret Hall), rm 083 RSVP:       Ginette Châtelain at (613) 562-5775    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.