1. Remember who your client is

Most often it's parents who contact CAP for legal services on behalf of their children. However, when you take on a CAP case the child is your client, except when they are too young or unable to communicate due to a severe disability.

To ascertain your client's wishes and obtain instructions, insist on meeting with the child or youth. Even if your client's wishes clash with those of their parents, you can only act for the person giving you instructions. If the child is unable to tell you what they want, due to very young age or extreme disability, then you may represent the parents, as long as you are satisfied they are acting in their child's best interest.

2. Keep track of your hours

While there is no pre-determined time commitment per case, we ask that you keep track of your volunteer hours and those of your support staff. If you see that your hours on a case are accumulating faster than anticipated, we can discuss the situation with you.

3. Respond quickly to case requests…

When a family calls CAP for legal help they are often tired and frustrated by lengthy struggles with their child's school or other agency. Help them avoid further waiting by returning calls/emails promptly, reading the case details, and checking conflicts quickly. If you are unavailable to accept a case, let us know immediately so we can find another volunteer. (Consider how you might involve your assistant to help with the case.)

4. And keep in touch if you move or your status changes…

Please also tell us when your contact information changes or if you are no longer available to volunteer.

5. Have realistic expectations of CAP cases…

Education law in particular can be complex, and these cases often involve more than one aspect of the legislation. Remember this when considering a new education law case.

6. But also, have realistic expectations of your pro bono commitment

The challenge is to treat your pro bono case like any paid case, while acknowledging the limits on your volunteer time. Focus on the presenting legal issue and communicate clearly to the client what you can and cannot take on. The CAP screening process will help, but clients should hear directly from you that you are available only for the issue at hand.

7. Remember the expertise available to you

For education law cases, the staff lawyers of Justice for Children and Youth are among the very few student-side education law experts in the province. They have represented children in most (if not all) of the situations you will encounter with your education law cases. Call them for advice-their proven legal strategies will save you and your client time and unnecessary frustration.

8. And remember the CAP project staff

We encourage you to call us with your questions and concerns. We'll help you help your clients-by clarifying service expectations, providing information on community supports or simply listening to your concerns.