One is not born into the world to do everything but to do something.

~Henry David Thoreau

The PBSC program is designed to assist organizations and community groups with public interest mandates that have unmet legal needs. Volunteer law students can help organizations with legal research and writing, producing educational materials, contributing to advocacy work, redrafting manuals and policies, providing plain-language case briefs, comparing legislation among jurisdictions, preparing workshops, or doing a host of other law-related work which utilizes students' legal training. 

To participate in the program, organizations must provide a basic project proposal.  It is important to remember that projects need to be substantially legal in nature in order to qualify for a PBSC placement.  Student co-ordinators can assist in developing an appropriate placement.  This process takes place over the summer for Fall projects, and in May for summer projects.

Most placements run from mid-September to the end of March, with a break in December to accommodate exams. Students contribute approximately three hours per week to their placement, either at the organization's office or working independently.  Organizations are responsible for providing any necessary training and support for the student, and each placement requires a supervising lawyer.  If  your organization does not have access to a lawyer, PBSC can help locate a willing volunteer.

If you think your organization may benefit from partnering with PBSC, see the "Sign Up" page for more details or contact the Student Coordinators Mike Benn or Alexandra Tratnik at ubc@probonostudents.ca or call 604 822 8009.