What are the advantages of a Pro Bono placement?
In today’s competitive job market, Pro Bono placements give students an edge.

Placements through the PBSC can...

• further develop legal research, writing and legal skills
• enhance students’ ability to think about legal problems creatively
• allow first year students to work collaboratively with second and third-year students
• provide students an opportunity to network with non-profit organizations
• provide students an opportunity to meet legal professionals
• and, most importantly, Pro Bono placements develop a pro bono work ethic.

Will it be difficult to juggle Pro Bono work with my studies?
At only 3 hours a week, students find that Pro Bono placements offer flexibility they are looking for. Students generally work from school or at home, fitting the placements projects around their busy schedules.

I am a first-year student. Will I be working alone on a project?
This year, Pro Bono at the U of A will pilot a mentorship program in which most first-year students will be paired with second and third-year students. This will enable students to work together to complete more complex projects.

What are the obligations for a student taking on a Pro Bono project?
The obligations of taking on a Pro Bono project are not onerous. They include:

• attending meetings as scheduled by your PBSC Coordinator
• committing to 3 hours per week for your project
• communicating at least once a month with your organization and lawyer to update the parties on your progress
• filling out monthly reports and time sheets
• submitting your project to your lawyer for review prior to submission to the organization
• handing in a final copy of your project to your PBSC Coordinator

How do I get involved with PBSC?

1. Fill out an Pro Bono Student Application download here (.pdf file 100kb).
2. Send the application along with your resume to the PBSC Coordinator.
3. Fill out an Student Legal Services Membership Application download here (.pdf file 371kb).
   * Remember to check off the “Pro Bono” section. This will not preclude you from joining other divisions such as Criminal, Civil or Legal Education/ Legal Reform.
4. The PBSC Coordinator will use your resume and application to match you with an organization. Students will be contacted by the Coordinator by email or letter regarding their placements.
5. Attend the meeting in September indicated in your email or letter for training and other particulars. At this time you will be give a Time Sheet and be asked to sign a Student Agreement.

Questions? Please contact the PBSC Coordinator pbsc@ualberta.ca. We always love to hear from you!

	SLS Volunteer Application Form (371kb)
	PBSC Volunteer Application Form (100kb)

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