Pro Bono Law Alberta (PBLA) is a charitable organization that facilitates opportunities for members of the Alberta legal community to volunteer their services to the public. By registering to volunteer at one of PBLA’s Volunteer Lawyer Services you agree to following:

Volunteer Lawyer Services Program

The VLS is the umbrella program for PBLA’s pro bono programs and initiatives. It is comprised of three main sub-programs:

• The VLS Roster Program which provides weekly pro bono opportunities for lawyers to assist non-profits and charities with matters such as civil law, corporate law, and solicitor-type work.The program is designed to be flexible, and files can be taken on in full, or unbundled through limited scope retainers.
• The Civil Claims Duty Counsel Program (CCDC)
• The King’s Bench Amicus Program (KB Amicus)
• Other PBLA community initiatives including single day advice clinics, and others that may arise from time to time.

Indemnity Insurance

Volunteer Lawyer Services (VLS) Program, PBLA, is a designated approved legal service provider (ALSP) under the Rules of the Law Society of Alberta (LSA Rules). VLS volunteer lawyers and articling students in private practice are covered by their regular insurance coverage through the LSA and the Alberta Lawyers Insurance Association (ALIA). Volunteer lawyers and articling students who are otherwise exempt from indemnity coverage pursuant to LSA Exempt Members Rule are covered for the volunteer work done through VLS upon registration.

Media information policy

From time to time, Pro Bono Law Alberta (PBLA) may use stories, photos, videos, and other media from its activities to promote the work of the organization and the Volunteer Lawyer Services Program. This media is used on the PBLA website, newsletters, pamphlets, and other publications promoting access to justice. These publications are distributed to members of the legal profession, organizations like the Canadian Bar Association, and to the public. PBLA will identify itself when taking photos or videos. Where you pose for such photos or participate in the filming of videos, you are consenting to the use of your image as described.

You can withdraw your consent at any time by emailing us at info@pbla.ca

I understand that during my volunteer time with Pro Bono Law Alberta, I will have access to confidential information relating to the affairs of Pro Bono Law Alberta and information subject to solicitor-client privilege between PBLA volunteers and their clients.

I also understand that Pro Bono Law Alberta is subject to legal and ethical obligations, including those set out in the Legal Profession Act, Personal Information Protection Act, Law Society Rules, and Code of Professional Conduct regarding the protection of personal, privileged, and confidential information in its possession.

I shall not, during my volunteer time with Pro Bono Law Alberta, disclose or communicate any personal, confidential, or privileged information of any kind that I may receive, obtain, or become aware of in relation to the affairs of Pro Bono Law Alberta Society or other parties. I further agree that following my volunteer time I will not take, retain or share any such confidential, privileged or personal information.

CCDC:

The Civil Claims Duty Counsel (CCDC) project provides brief legal assistance to self-represented litigants with civil matters in the Provincial Court in Calgary and Edmonton. Volunteer lawyers are available to provide free 30-minute consultations on a first-come, first-served basis. They can provide legal advice, information on court procedures, assistance with document preparation and review, and help preparing for trials, motions and other appearances.

This program does not assist with family, criminal or corporate law matters, matters in Court of Queen’s Bench or other Appeal Courts, or pre-trial conferences and mediations.

QBA:

The Court Assistance Program provides assistance to self-represented litigants with civil matters at the Court of Queen’s Bench.

In the morning, volunteer lawyers are available to provide assistance to those without legal representation who are appearing in Civil Masters and Justice Chambers. In Calgary, an additional legal advice clinic is held in the afternoon, with volunteer lawyers providing legal advice, information on court procedures, assistance with document preparation and review, and help preparing for trials, motions and other appearances. This afternoon advice clinic is not currently offered for Edmonton.

This program does not assist with family, criminal or corporate matters, matters in Provincial Court or other Appeal Courts, or pre-trial conference and mediations.

VLS:

Non-profits and charities with discrete legal issues can apply to the Volunteer Lawyer Services Roster Program for assistance with a specific legal issue. Through the VLS Roster Program, PBLA tries to match non-profits and charitable organizations with volunteer lawyers. Non-profits and charities may be able to receive assistance on a variety of legal issues that impact their day-to-day operations, including by-law reviews, general contract drafting and reviews, volunteer waivers, incorporation, charitable registration and more.

To apply for the program, download and complete the VLS Application Form and return it to us at vls@pbla.ca. If you would like more information about how VLS can assist your organization, please contact us.

Volunteer Lawyer Services is generously funded by the United Way of Calgary and Area and the Law Society of Alberta.