Law Society Centennial Begins

by Jim Peacock, QC, Law Society of Alberta

This January 2007 marks the start of the centenary year of the Law Society of Alberta. Our centennial presents a significant opportunity for the Law Society to turn the public and legal spotlight onto itself, to celebrate its rich and diverse history, to commemorate its honourable standing today, and to share its vision for the future with all Albertans. Over the coming issues of the Advisory this year, we will be sharing with you details of our upcoming anniversary celebrations.

In this Issue

Calgary Legal Guidance Wins National Award

by Susan V.R. Billington, Policy and Program Counsel

Recognized as one of the longest operating pro bono programs in Canada, Calgary Legal Guidance was presented with the first National Pro Bono program award. All of the many lawyers and law firms who have volunteered their time and expertise to CLG over the past 35 years have contributed to CLG receiving this award.

Members Honoured for 50 and 60 years of Service

The Hon. Roy McMurtry, Chief Justice of Ontario (left) presented this award to Mary Lynn Dorsey, Executive Director of Calgary Legal Guidance at a Toronto, Ontario awards event on November 16. Jim Peacock, President of the Law Society of Alberta looks on.

The 2006 National Pro Bono awards were part of the 1st National Pro Bono Conference: Building Bridges to Justice November 16-17, 2006 in Toronto. Awards were presented to: 1) an individual actively involved in pro bono; 2) a law firm committed to pro bono; and 3) a pro bono program serving the community. Vancouver lawyer John-Paul Boyd and McCarthy Tétrault LLP (Toronto) were award recipients in the other two categories.

These awards are a national celebration of the dedication and commitment of the many lawyers who give their time freely to represent those who need, but cannot afford legal assistance.

Since opening in 1971, CLG has developed a diverse and innovative range of pro bono projects to address the unmet legal needs of low-income Albertans.

It has successfully leveraged the volunteer contributions of the private bar, and has been used as a model for the establishment of other pro bono legal clinics in Alberta including the Edmonton Centre for Equal Justice and the Central Alberta Community Legal Clinic and Lethbridge Legal Guidance (to open in early 2007). It was also recognized for its solid reputation of collaborating with community groups and lawyers alike, and its proven ability to sustain ongoing successful alliances.

Calgary Legal Guidance also provides access to and networks with a variety of social agencies in the Calgary community. With its administrative framework for the provision of pro bono legal services, it essentially operates as a "pro bono law firm". In 2005, CLG provided service to over 8,000 individuals and clients.