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New website set to launch!
We are in the final stages of readying our new website and will be launching it soon. The new site will offer a convenient way for volunteer lawyers and program coordinators to share information and maximize efficiency in serving client needs.
read more
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Thank you for visiting the site
We will use this space to profile one of our volunteer lawyers and the work they are doing in their community.
We thank all of our volunteers for their hard work and dedication to serving those most in need.
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Funding information
This website was made possible by a generous grant from the Law Foundation of British Columbia.
The Salvation Army Pro Bono Legal Services program is funded by a number of sponsors, but we can always use your help. If you wish to make a tax-deductible charitable donation, please click here.
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We want to hear from you!
Please share your comments on the Salvation Army Pro Bono Program here
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Why Volunteer?
Some lawyers may feel they already do a tremendous amount of pro bono on their own, and therefore do not feel the need to do pro bono under the umbrella of an organized system of pro bono service delivery.
It is our hope that, by the time you finish reading this, you will be convinced that doing pro Bono through The Salvation Army's Pro Bono program will be an ideal way to manage your time effectively, and provide a level of service to clients that is clearly defined.
We recognize time is valuable
Not only do we know that your time is valuable to yourself, but it is also valuable to us. We take pride in pre-screening our clients, and providing them with direction prior to seeing a volunteer lawyer. When they do see our volunteer lawyer, they are prepared in order to make best use of your time.
Our program is efficient
We have integrated our program into existing community services offices of The Salvation Army around BC. We operate our program on a minimal staff, and each community takes ownership of the program. This is both cost effective, and an efficient use of The Salvation Army personnel.
Our clients must meet a financial means test
It can be frustrating to be offering free legal services to some people who ought to be paying fees for services. We aim to ensure that all clients who see our volunteer lawyers are in need of our services because they are on a limited income.
Our clients are pre-sorted
We recognize many lawyers giving pro bono assistance do not feel comfortable giving advice unless it is within their own preferred area. At our clinics, The Salvation Army's staff pre-sort clients' legal issues according to area of law. Lawyers will only see clients within their area of expertise.
Our program is structured to assist lawyers in preventing conflicts
Our legal clinic staff provide our volunteer lawyers with a list of clients, providing names, names of opposing party(s), and name of opposing party(s) counsel.
The Salvation Army assists people with many other services
Many people come through our doors with legal issues, but have a variey of other issues for which they need help. We aim to assist people with whatever their needs are.
It is gratifying
The Salvation Army currently has approximately 300 lawyers volunteering on a regular basis in our facilities around British Columbia. Most of our lawyers state they find the legal clinic very gratifying, as they are able to meet needs. They know that people are in good hands long after their legal needs are met. The Salvation Army will continue to provide a continuum of care for people in need.
Convenience
Our program is truly a community-based initiative. We have clinics located in many communities around British Columbia. Lawyers in downtown Vancouver can attend clinics at the Smithe Street courthouse, The Salvation Army Belkin House located at 555 Homer Street, or The Vancouver Provincial Courts at 222 Main Street.
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