Access Pro Bono Roster Program

The Roster Program provides pro bono representation services for particular case types to qualifying individuals and non-profit organizations. Client applications are screened by APB staff and volunteer coordinators and then sent to a number of lawyers for their consideration. If a lawyer responds to the particular case, they choose the scope of their services. Insurance and disbursement coverage is made available to roster lawyers.

Court of Appeal Program

The Court of Appeal Program helps low-income litigants appeal civil, criminal or family law decisions. Program lawyers also help clients respond to appeals brought by opposing parties. They provide a variety of limited and extended litigation services.

Family Law Program

Through the Family Law Program, roster lawyers provide assistance and representation to clients in such matters as drafting and arguing applications, conducting trials, mediating disputes, drafting separation agreements and securing consent orders. Although the range of potential assistance is unlimited, the Family Law Program is specifically designed to enable pro bono assistance in the form of limited or “unbundled” tasks.

Wills & Estates Program

The Wills & Estates Program is designed to facilitate the provision of pro bono legal services in non-litigious estate matters, such as drafting wills, powers of attorney, committee agreements and representation agreements.

Federal Court Of Appeal Program

The Federal Court of Appeal has broad jurisdiction to hear and determine applications for judicial review of federal tribunal decisions and appeals concerning immigration, citizenship, admiralty, customs, intellectual property, tax, federal labour relations, transportation, communications, parole and penitentiary matters. Roster lawyers provide assistance and representation to clients in such matters as drafting of court documents (e.g. Notice of Appeal, appeal books), researching and preparing factums and presenting legal arguments at hearings.

Judicial Review Program

The Judicial Review Program assists clients with appeals of decisions made by tribunals constituted under provincial legislation, including; the Residential Tenancy Act, the Employment and Assistance Act, the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act and the Workers Compensation Act. Roster lawyers provide assistance and representation to clients in such matters as drafting of court documents (e.g. petitions and affidavits), researching and preparing written submissions, preparing chambers records and presenting legal arguments in court.

Solicitors’ Program

The Solicitors’ Program is designed to facilitate the provision of pro bono legal services to charitable and non-profit community organizations of limited means. APB receives requests from community organizations throughout the province and then endeavours to match each request to a roster lawyer within workable reach. APB staff members screen requests for eligibility, connect community organizations to lawyers and provide ongoing support and resources to roster lawyers. Roster lawyers provide legal advice and assistance to community organizations in all areas of non-profit law, including incorporation and by-laws, registrations for charitable status, employment matters, contracts and lease agreements. Roster lawyers also conduct seminars on such topics as board of directors’ liability, privacy policies and board governance.

Supreme Court of Canada Leave Application Program

APB is currently developing a roster through which roster lawyers will provide pro bono services to assist clients in bringing or responding to applications for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada.