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Pro Bono Assignments

Testimonials

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Andrea Gray

Vancouver

t. +1 604-643-7190

Contact by email at [email protected]

Associate
Calgary

My involvement in the pro bono ‘Provincial Court Duty Counsel Project’ has been a highlight of the summer so far.

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My mentor invited me along to the Courthouse to take part in the project during my second week of work. Having worked for Student Legal Assistance at the University of Calgary I was extremely excited to see McCarthy Tétrault taking part in a similar initiative. 

For the project, lawyers dedicate a morning or afternoon to providing legal advice for litigants in the civil division of Provincial Court. It was surprising to see just how many individuals came seeking advice and waited patiently outside for their thirty minute session. Litigants came with a variety of issues and sought information on the general court process, guidance on proper drafting, and the prospects of their claim or defense.

" The experience was invaluable as it allows you to help with the development of litigation strategy on applicable issues such as contract disputes. "

The experience was invaluable as it allows you to help with the development of litigation strategy on applicable issues such as contract disputes. I look forward to taking part in this project throughout the summer and into my legal career.

Laura DeVries

Associate (Summer Student 2013/14)
Vancouver

One of the most interesting assignments I have worked on so far was a pro bono task for a non-profit client organization.

McCarthy Tétrault is genuinely committed to contributing its expertise through pro bono work, and students often gain some of their most valuable experience from these varied and interesting files. My task in this case was to research the rules governing a particular aspect of charity and non-profit fundraising, and to communicate what I learned to the client in a memorandum.
 

" My task in this case was to research the rules governing a particular aspect of charity and non-profit fundraising, and to communicate what I learned to the client in a memorandum. "

The rules turned out to be more complex than they seemed at first, and I had a lot of fun unravelling the maze. The lawyer who gave me the task was fantastic in terms of giving the background scoop on the work the organization does, how McCarthy’s came to be involved in the file, and how my work would be used by the client. He also gave really helpful feedback on the memo I wrote and had me communicate directly with the client when we were finished. It was extremely rewarding to apply my legal education and training to give practical advice to real people.

This is pro bono work at McCarthy Tétrault.