Schulich School of Law

Pro Bono Dalhousie at Schulich Law

Contact us:

Juliet Watts & Delaney Helmke
Program Coordinators
Schulich School of Law
Ph. (902) 494-3704
Fax (902) 494-1316
probono@dal.ca 

 

Being a Pro Bono volunteer helped me get involved with the legal community in Halifax and feel confident developing my skills in a supportive working environment. My Pro Bono work allowed me to feel a sense of responsibility to individuals outside of myself. It was truly one of the most rewarding experiences I have had in law school."

Dave Dhillon
3L volunteer with the Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia

Pro Bono Service and Professional Responsibility

Review the 2017/18 training session given by Professor Kaiser, Faculty Advisor

About us

Pro Bono Dalhousie provides legal research and related services without charge to organizations and individuals in need, principally in Nova Scotia. We were among the first Pro Bono student programs founded in Canadian law schools. The program has operated continuously at Dalhousie University since its inception in 2000.

The core mandate of Pro Bono Dalhousie is to increase and foster access to justice initiatives. Law students volunteer their time to support the community in partnership with community coalitions, public interest organizations, government agencies, and other legal service providers.

Our students provided a wide range of services to the local community, from providing legal information, community outreach, conducting legal research, to assisting clients. Projects are in a broad range of areas, including immigration, disability rights, prison law, and the environment. 

Unfortunately, as a student-run organization, we are unable to provide legal advice or representation and cannot assist with personal matters.  

See a complete list of our projects for the 2023–2024 academic year. [PDF – 388 KB]

Are you a law student looking to volunteer? 

Here are some of the benefits to getting involved with Pro Bono Dalhousie:

  • An opportunity to make a significant impact on access to justice in the Halifax community
  • Networking opportunities with members of the legal community 
  • Valuable experience in client-interaction
  • An opportunity to apply your legal knowledge and gain practical, real-world skills
Our program runs from September to March each year. Contact probono@dal.ca for details about how to apply.
 

Are you an organization looking for law student volunteers?

Each year, we partner with public interest organizations, legal clinics, and lawyers working on pro bono files. We often work on projects in the following areas of law: administrative, civil, constitutional, corporate non-profit, criminal, environmental, family, human rights, immigration and refugee, and all aspects of poverty law. 

We proudly serve diverse populations of Canadians, including artists, First Nations, francophones, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) Canadians, immigrants and refugees, low-income Canadians, seniors, women, youth, and others.  

If you're interested in partnering with us, contact us at probono@dal.ca.

Pro Bono Dalhousie Community Guide

If you are a Halifax or Atlantic Canada-based community group or a non-profit organization looking for assistance from Pro Bono Dalhousie, or if you have been approached by Pro Bono Dalhousie representatives interested in partnering with you, we invite you to dowload a copy of the Pro Bono Dalhousie Community Guide [PDF - 2.9MB]. 

This guide has been created to provide clarity on the role that Pro Bono Dalhousie plays to connect the Schulich School of Law and surrounding community as we learn how to work together to contribute to the public good.