Why volunteer with the Pro Bono
Students Canada Project at Student Legal Services?
Volunteering as a supervising lawyer allows lawyers
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
- and, most importantly, 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. There may be
some assistance in this regard available.
What are the responsibilities involved in supervising
a project?
The responsibilities involved in supervising a project
are not onerous. They include:
- assisting students with legal problem-solving
- communicating with students via email, phone or
occasionally meeting face-to-face
- ensuring that the material students produce is
legally correct
- reviewing the project before it is used by the
organization
What is the time commitment involved in supervising
a project?
Most projects require that a lawyer spend less than
10 hours per academic year supervising a project(s).
How can I become a supervising lawyer?
Step #1
Contact the Student Coordinator by phone,
fax or email. The Coordinator will match
you with a project which interests you.
Step #2
Submit a signed Lawyer
Agreement (.pdf file 100kb). The forms
with the original signature must
be submitted to the organisation.
Step #3
Contact your student(s). This initial contact should
take place within the first week or two of the project.
Try to contact students by email or phone about once
a month as the project progresses to answer questions
and make suggestions.
Step #4
Review all material before the material is used by
the organisation for legal accuracy.
Step #5
At the end of the placement, submit the Evaluation
(.pdf file 100kb).
Questions? Please contact the PBSC Coordinator
pbsc@ualberta.ca.
We always love to hear from you! |
