News + Insights

Today was another great day with Pro Bono Ontario.

Our lawyers and summer students had fast-paced and fulfilling morning volunteering with Pro Bono Ontario's Free Legal Advice Hotline. This was our firm's second Sponsor Day with the hotline this year, and we look forward to hosting many more. 

Today's shift was extra special, as we made it a professional development and mentorship event as well. Some of our more junior lawyers and summer students first participated in an LSO-accredited professionalism CPD session on client intake and communication presented by Priyanka Bahl, PBO's Civil Litigation Staff Lawyer. They were then joined by more of our lawyers to put their learnings into practice with a hotline shift. Our summer students had the unique opportunity to take calls and provide advice under the supervision of their lawyer mentors. 

This CPD  and hotline shift combination is such a great way for junior lawyers to develop client intake and communication skills, and to build confidence engaging with clients and providing legal advice. Mid-level and senior lawyers also have so much to gain from volunteering for a hotline shift - talk about a rapid-fire test and refresh for your knowledge of the Rules and litigation process generally! All while promoting access to justice. A total win-win.

We strongly encourage all lawyers and firms in our network to get involved. You can learn more about Pro Bono Ontario, their Free Legal Advice Hotline, and the various other ways in which you can support Pro Bono Ontario's essential work to improve access to justice for all Ontarians here.