Terms and Conditions

The Volunteer Lawyer Services Program (VLS Program) tries to match charitable organizations and individuals that are unable to afford a lawyer with lawyers who are willing to provide pro bono legal services. This document sets out the standard terms and conditions for non-profits and charities applying to VLS Program. By signing and returning this application form, you agree to be bound by these terms and conditions, unless there are express variations or exclusions given in writing.

Agreement

1. I acknowledge that the VLS Program Coordinator can decline my application in accordance with this agreement.

2. I acknowledge that the approved files are distributed for six weeks and there is no guarantee that a match will be made. Unmatched files are closed after six weeks.

3. I acknowledge that the VLS Program Coordinator cannot provide legal advice.

4. I understand that it is my responsibility to inform VLS Coordinator of any changes to my legal matter and financial circumstances in a timely fashion.

5. I understand and agree that if my file is matched, but I fail to respond to the notice of match within two weeks, the VLS Program Coordinator will close my file and will not circulate it again or continue to look for another lawyer until a new application is submitted.

6. I understand and agree that I will be responsible for the payment of all disbursements associated with my legal matter, payable in full upon receipt of an invoice for the disbursements. (Examples of disbursements include court and government filing fees, postage, photocopy, long-distance calls, registry and other searches, and any other out-of-pocket expense incurred by VLS or its volunteers on my file). 

7. I understand and agree that, if I require assistance with interpretation, it will be my responsibility to get an interpreter.

No ongoing solicitor-client relationship with PBLA

8. I acknowledge that I am not forming an ongoing solicitor-client relationship with the VLS Program and any of its volunteers or employees.

9. I acknowledge that neither the VLS Program nor any of its volunteers and employees have any duty to look after my legal interests.

Confidentiality

10. I acknowledge that information provided to the VLS Program Coordinator regarding my legal matter may be shared with VLS Program volunteer lawyers and with third parties authorized by me. Information provided to the VLS Program Coordinator or PBLA employees by referral agencies, applicants and other third parties is confidential, with the exception that it is shared with VLS Program volunteer lawyers for the purpose of making a match or with third parties authorized by me.

11. I acknowledge that any verbal information and any information set out in my application, acknowledgement and waiver form, case disposition form and any other form or document that I provide to, or is prepared by, VLS or the volunteer lawyer can be:

• stored at the Pro Bono Law Alberta / VLS Program offices;

• reviewed by staff members of the VLS Program, its employees, designates, and volunteers;

• photocopied, typed, scanned, transcribed, and stored in the VLS computer system; and,

• uploaded and backed up via the internet to a third party data protection service

Conflicts of interest

12. I acknowledge that the VLS Program Coordinator may send all or part of the information listed in my application to a volunteer lawyer to determine if the lawyer can assist me.

13. I acknowledge that the volunteer lawyer cannot assist me if a conflict of interest is discovered or arises and makes it inappropriate for the volunteer lawyer to continue to provide assistance.

14. I acknowledge that volunteer lawyers are free to act for other clients against me on other unrelated matters in the future, without giving notice to me provided that any confidential information discussed as part of this application is not relevant to the unrelated matter.

Right to retain documents

15. I acknowledge that any documents that form part of my file may be kept by the VLS Program for the following reasons:

• Administrative record keeping;

• Maintaining a database of people served;

• Conducting conflict of interest searches;

• Assessing the quality of service provided;

• Gathering general and anonymous statistics about PBLA clients;

• Evaluating types of services utilized; and

• Sharing with VLS Program staff or volunteers whom I may visit in the future.

Consent for contact

16. I consent to be contacted by the VLS Program to provide feedback about the services provided by the VLS Program and its volunteer lawyers. If contacted, I may refuse to participate.

Full and final release

17. I release and undertake not to make any court-based or other claim against VLS Program, volunteer lawyers and all other parties and participating law firms together with all of their respective officers, employees, and volunteers for any advice/service I received or should have received through VLS Program.

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For any issues or questions, please contact us at roster@pbla.ca

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