Information for Advising Lawyers
Why volunteer with the Pro Bono Students Canada Project at Student Legal Services?
Volunteering as an advising lawyer allows for an opportunity to:
- Give back to the community
- Mentor a law student
- Network with non-profit organizations
- Learn or explore legal issues in new contexts
- Promote the professional image of lawyers in society
Do I need to have insurance to become a supervising lawyer?
Yes, and you must be willing to sign an agreement stating as such. However, should you need insurance for a project, please contact the Pro Bono Coordinator.
What are the responsibilities involved in supervising a project?
The responsibilities involved in supervising a project are not onerous. They include:
- Communicating with students via email, phone or occasionally meeting face-to-face
- Ensuring that the student's legal information is correct
- Reviewing, editing and signing off on the project before it is submitted to the organization
What is the time commitment involved in supervising a project?
Most projects require approximately 5 hours per academic year.
How Can I Become a Supervising Lawyer?
Step #1
Contact the Student Coordinator by phone, fax or email. The Coordinator will then attempt to match you with a project which fits your areas of interest.
Step #2
Submit signed Lawyer Agreement and Lawyer Profile forms The forms with the original signature must be submitted to the PBSC Coordinator before a project can begin.
What do I do Once the Project Commences?
- A student leader is assigned to every pro bono project and it is this group lead who will contact you to introduce the group and the details of the project. Students will contact you throughout the academic year with any legal questions they may have regarding their pro bono project.
- It is imperative that you maintain communication with your student group. If extenuating circumstances arise and you are unable to fulfill your commitment, please notify the PBSC Coordinator immediately.
- Review all material in a timely fashion before the material is used by the organization for legal accuracy.
- Once this is done there is a Supervising Lawyer Approval Form that must be signed and sent to the PBSC Coordinator with the completed project indicating the project can be distributed to the organization for which it is intended.
- At the end of the placement, submit the Evaluation.
