PRO BONO GOING PUBLIC 2025 

More British Columbians Need Pro Bono Legal Help Than Ever Before

As BC’s housing crisis deepens, more people are at risk of losing their homes. Low-income families struggle to navigate complex legal disputes without support. Refugees and newcomers face growing threats of exploitation. The need for free legal services continues to grow each year.

At Access Pro Bono, we do everything we can to meet this rising demand. But the reality is sobering: each month, we hear from over 5,000 people, yet we’re only able to assist about 20% with summary legal advice and just 2% with limited legal representation.

That’s why Pro Bono Going Public matters more than ever.

A Community of Lawyers Making a Difference

Now in its 18th year, Pro Bono Going Public returns in 2025 with its signature mix of in-person and virtual legal clinics. Lawyers across BC will offer free legal advice to low- and modest-income clients while raising funds to support our pro bono programs. This year’s in-person clinics will be held at Surrey Civic Plaza and the Vancouver Art Gallery, with virtual clinics running province-wide.

From September 8–26 (Monday to Friday), over 200 volunteer lawyers will dedicate one or more hour-long shifts — by phone or in person — to provide summary advice to clients for their legal issue. Appointments will be scheduled to allow time for proper conflict checks, and our in-person clinics will welcome both scheduled and drop-in clients.

Volunteer. Fundraise. Advocate.

We’re calling on BC’s legal community to step up and show what access to justice really means!

Lawyers can:

• Volunteer for as many one-hour shifts as they wish
• Set a fundraising goal (ideally equal to or more than their hourly rate)
• Share their participation with their networks to encourage donations
  
  

We’re also inviting friends, families, colleagues, and members of the public to support the cause by pledging donations in honour of participating lawyers.

Our goals?

• Serve thousands of British Columbians who urgently need legal help
• Shine a spotlight on the power of pro bono
• Raise $145,000 or more to support our programs province-wide
  
  

Register or donate today!

I'M A LAWYER, I'D LIKE TO PARTICIPATE

As a volunteer, you'll be able to register as an individual or with a team. And you'll be able to choose your preferred date and shift time. You'll speak to one or two low or modest income clients during your one-hour telephone or in-person shift. We match clients' legal issues to lawyers' areas of expertise, and we provide more than enough time to conduct thorough conflict checks. We also extend full insurance coverage for all legal help provided through PBGP 2025. Your obligations as the solicitor to your clients end when your shift is over. 

OKAY, I'M REGISTERED. HOW DO I RAISE FUNDS?

You can access your personal fundraising page by clicking the "LOGIN" button above, and by using the username and password you chose upon registration (information that is e-mailed to you). From your personal fundraising page, you can upload a photo, enter a message informing people why you're participating in PBGP, send sponsorship requests to your friends, family and co-workers, manage your pledge sheet, and monitor your fundraising progress. Your supporters can make donations online or pledge to support you offline via cheque or cash. You can also share your fundraising page on social media to promote engagement and support. 

Please note: Registrations for all clinics are now closed. To find information about your registered clinic or to find your personal fundraising page, please 'LOGIN' to your Pro Bono Going Public account.  

I CAN'T PARTICIPATE. HOW CAN I STILL SUPPORT THE CAUSE?

You can "SPONSOR A VOLUNTEER" or you can make a secure online charitable donation to Access Pro Bono by clicking on "DONATE"

HOW DO I SPONSOR A PARTICIPANT?

Our community-minded volunteer lawyers deserve your support. Here's how you can  sponsor a volunteer of your choice, or sponsor a volunteer at random:    

Click on the "SPONSOR A VOLUNTEER" button, type in the Participant or Team's name, click Search and scroll down to see the results. When you find a volunteer lawyer, click on their name to access their personalized donation page, and then make a contribution. If you'd prefer to sponsor a team, you can do so on the team page. Your donation will be evenly distributed toward each team member's personal fundraising goal. 

I NEED FREE LEGAL HELP

If you need free legal advice and would like to book an appointment with a lawyer through PBGP 2025, please call our client line at 604-878-7400.