Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. ~Margaret Mead
JUNE 2010
Following the annual
PBSC training conference, which was held in Toronto from May 28th-31st,
Alison and I have been working hard to refine the pro bono program at UBC for 2010-11.
Beyond
organizing rewarding placements that our students, community partners
and supervising lawyers value, we have several projects in the works for
September:
Executive Board The
PBSC UBC Executive Board will be staffed by UBC students who have
worked on pro bono projects in
the past or who are looking for a more flexible way to become involved
in the program. We are in the process of drafting position descriptions
and welcome any ideas you can offer.
PBSC UBC Launch Event Each year during Orientation week
PBSC UBC welcomes a prestigious speaker to address the incoming first
year class, current PBSC UBC volunteers, and the wider UBC community.
This September will be one to remember - stay tuned for the details!
Welcome Back Night at Chivana Once
again, Chivana will be the place to be on Tuesday evening - the perfect
place to reconnect with friends or to get to know your new classmates .
. . and what better way to celebrate the first day of classes than with
a cocktail?! With fabulous food and our special guest DJ, be sure to
get your tickets early - this event always sells out!
Volunteer Training Session In late
September our PBSC UBC volunteers will be treated to a training session
focusing on the fundamentals of legal research, client communication
skills and building relationships within your pro bono projects. Look for the schedule of topics and
presenters soon.
. . . as always, Alison and I welcome your
comments and suggestions for improving the pro bono program. Contact us by phone, email or through
our twitter account @PBSCUBC.
Past Events
2010 Social Justice Law Forum
For: UBC Law students and Partner Community Organizations
When: Thursday, February 4th, 2010 from 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Where? Law Courts Inn (800 Smithe St. at Hornby – 4th floor)
What? The Social Justice Law Forum is an annual UBC Law event hosting British Columbia’s premier social justice organizations. A panel presentation will be followed by a networking opportunity for organizations and UBC law students to learn more about one another. If you are interested in a career in social justice law, this is a MUST ATTEND event!
Why? You will learn about the public interest law sector and opportunities available. You will meet some amazing lawyers doing interesting work and there will be delicious free food for all.
Who? Organizations who have confirmed their attendance include:
Community Legal Assistance Society, BC Human Rights Coalition, Pivot Legal Society, Law Foundation of BC, EcoJustice Canada, West Coast Environmental Law, Battered Women’s Support Services, BC Public Interest Advocacy Centre (BCPIAC), British Columbia Law Institute, CHIMO Crisis Services, BC Center for Elder Advocacy & Support, Center for Feminist Legal Studies, Canadian Centre for Elder Law, Ann Davis Transition Society, Justice Canada, Ministry of Attorney General, MS Society of Canada, Philippine Women’s Centre of BC, West Coast LEAF, and BC Seniors Advocacy Network
Hosted By:
Claire Immega (UBC Law Careers Committee)
Mike Benn and Alexandra Tratnik (Pro Bono Students Canada)
Tracy Wachmann (Public Interest Coordinator – UBC Law Career Services)
Mid-Year Student Meeting Thursday November 26th
Please join Mike and Alex this Thursday November 26th at 12:30pm in UCLL room 174 to discuss how your PBSC placements are going as well as to fill out a mid-year evaluation response form.
Chivana's Welcome Back Fundraiser Event
A big THANK YOU to all the students who came out last Tuesday to ring in the school year and help support the PBSC programme here at UBC! We hope you had a great night and look forward to doing it again in January!
On Friday September 4th, 2009, Pro Bono Students Canada was pleased to have Elizabeth May, current leader of the Canadian federal Green Party and former executive director of Sierra Legal Defence Fund, as the key note speaker for our 2009 Launch event. She delivered an enthusiastic, captivating and inspirational key note address to the incoming UBC Law class about the importance of the legal community's commitment to pro bono work and social justice causes. This is one of our most high profile recruitment events to first year students to promote our organization and an invitation to students to seek out social justice causes during law school and throughout their legal careers.
