BC lawyers to provide free legal advice clinics for low-income people in Vancouver, Surrey, Kelowna

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STARTING on Sunday, September 4, Access Pro Bono (APB) will begin its 12th annual series of free outdoor legal advice clinics for low-income British Columbians. Under the banner of Pro Bono Going Public, 140 volunteer lawyers will provide free legal advice in public squares in Vancouver, Surrey and Kelowna while calling attention to BC’s access to justice crisis.

In the past year, several hundred BC lawyers have provided free legal services to thousands of low- and modest-income British Columbians through APB programs, ranging from summary advice to full representation in many areas of law including civil, family, employment, immigration, and tenancy.

Main sponsors of the event include Harper Grey LLP, the Canadian Bar Association – BC Branch, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, Hunter Litigation Chambers, and Lawson Lundell LLP.
These outdoor clinics provide people the opportunity to receive free legal advice from a local lawyer, and give media the opportunity to talk to dozens of lawyers and their clients about the realities of living in a society where critical legal needs are too often left unserved.

While recognizing the tireless efforts of those currently trying to meet the need through pro bono services and what remains of BC’s legal aid system, available free legal services do not even meet the demand from low-income people who know and inquire about them, especially in the area of family law.
For those individuals in need of legal advice, volunteer lawyers will be providing free legal advice in all areas of law including: Family, Employment, Civil, Residential Tenancy, Human Rights, Immigration, Debt / Collections at the various locations listed below.
To book an appointment, call 604-878-7400. Drop-ins are welcome but will be based on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Event locations, dates and times:
* Surrey: City Hall Plaza on September 4, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

* Vancouver: Victory Square Park on September 6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

* Kelowna: City Park (Rose Garden) on September 10, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

* Vancouver: Art Gallery (North Plaza) on September 13, 10 a.m.-4 p.m

*B.C.-wide: Telephone Clinic on September 17, 4 to 6 p.m.

For more information: www.advice-a-thon.ca