For Lawyers
Lawyer volunteers needed: Help protect the rights of children and youth...
Join a rewarding volunteer program that uses your legal skills to make a profound difference in the lives of children and youth. If you are a lawyer licenced to practice in Ontario, consider joining one of the CAP rosters:
Education Law Program Roster
Program volunteers have the opportunity to represent children and youth in education related matters, ranging from individual advocacy in expulsion and special education hearings, to civil and test case litigation. Lawyers also have the opportunity to draft documents, make oral arguments, and offer public presentations at legal education events that educate families and parent groups about children's education rights. To join the Education Law Program roster, submit the application form below. Online video training for the Education Law program is available HERE. (This is a password-protected area, so please follow instructions to get access.)
Testimonials from our volunteers:
Having a lawyer on my client's side not only got the school's attention but within 6 weeks of my initial letter, virtually all of the accommodations she required were put into place. My client's parents felt empowered when, after being stonewalled for years, we had a face-to-face meeting with school officials that began with an apology from the principal. The client now has her special needs accommodated and her parents have an established protocol for communicating with the school. Once I put the issue to the school in terms of the child's human rights, everything changed. That is something the average parent is not equipped to do, but is easy for a lawyer to do.
B. Hollingsworth, volunteer lawyer
I've thoroughly enjoyed my experience in the education law program. Of course it was satisfying to fulfill my professional obligation to contribute to the community and, as a recent call, it was a great way to practice some advocacy skills. However, it was the chance to help a family resolve a problem that impacted on their daily lives in such a fundamental way that was the most rewarding. I'm now looking forward to my next case!
C. Wiley, volunteer lawyer
My experiences as a volunteer in the unaccompanied minors project have been among the most fulfilling of my first year of practice. More than any other experience, they have given the opportunity to contribute to, and then witness, an outcome of profound significance to a young person's life. In some cases, they have also led to enduring relationships of friendship.
G. Hoole, volunteer lawyer
You can help children and youth build a secure future by giving them a stronger voice in society.
Free training sessions are offered throughout the year by Pro Bono Law Ontario and project partners. Training materials and access to mentorship supports are provided to program volunteers.
ProbonoNet for Lawyers
As a pro bono lawyer in Ontario, be sure to check the online tool--ProbonoNet for Lawyers--provided by Pro Bono Law Ontario. This online tool provides information on volunteer opportunities, online video training and CLE materials for CAP projects, and other information and supports to help you more easily offer pro bono services to those in need.
Ready to volunteer now?
Join online now by submitting a Volunteer Lawyer Application Form.
For lawyers who are not currently practicing law you will need to apply for an exemption from the Law Society of Upper Canada (LSUC) and Law Pro. The following is a link to the LSUC application for exemption:
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