The Power of Pro Bono: Stepping Up

The 3rd National Pro Bono Conference The Power of Pro Bono: Stepping Up took place in Calgary, Alberta on September 15 to 17, 2010. The Conference, hosted by Pro Bono Law Alberta in partnership with Access Pro Bono of British Columbia, Pro Bono Law Ontario, Pro Bono Law Saskatchewan and Pro Bono Quebec, was attended by over 200 delegates from Canada, the United States and Australia.

The demographic of attendees was diverse and included legal practitioners of all backgrounds, the voluntary sector, judiciary and academia. As well, 30 law students from universities across Canada were able to attend thanks to excellent sponsorship support from law firms in Calgary and Edmonton.

The Power of Pro Bono: Stepping Up was an opportunity for delegates to exchange knowledge and ideas concerning pro bono legal services provision, to network and to forge new pro bono partnerships. Workshops themes included Innovation in Pro Bono Service, The Role of Law Schools in Fostering Pro Bono Values, Limited Scope Retainer Recruitment and Training, and Engaging Senior Lawyers.

Guest speakers included The Honourable Madam Justice Marie Deschamps of the Supreme Court of Canada, The Honourable Alison Redford, QC (PC), Minister of Justice and Attorney General, The Honourable Chief Justice Neil C. Wittmann and Mr. David W. Scott, QC, Co-Chair of Borden Ladner Gervais LLP.

The Conference web site at www.probonoconference.ca is a resource for the public to obtain speakers' notes and presentation materials.

Pro Bono Law Alberta would like to acknowledge the contributions of the many speakers, panelists, sponsors, donors and funders who made this conference one of the very best pro bono conferences in recent years.

We look forward to the 4th National Pro Bono Conference which will be hosted by Pro Bono Quebec in October 2012 in Montreal, Quebec.