People Mentioned
Partner, Disputes, Toronto
Systematizing the delivery of pro bono services is essential to bridging the gap between demand and supply, says partner Mary Paterson, Disputes, in an interview with Canadian Lawyer. Mary is also a member of the board of directors for Pro Bono Ontario and was interviewed on the occasion of the Ontario Bar Association (OBA) launch of a new portal to help lawyers find pro bono work that matches their schedules and practice areas.
The OBA describes the portal as a “one-stop shop for lawyers to quickly find opportunities that fit their practice-area expertise, availability and passions.” Portal use will be free for lawyers and law firms in Ontario.
“Pro Bono Ontario is thrilled to be here to support OBA and Paladin (the software company that built the portal platform) because it is another critical step moving down the path towards access to justice for everyone in Ontario,” says Mary.
Portal users can browse available matters using keyword, organization, or location searches. Various filters, including advanced options, allow for more targeted searches.
Once users have found a suitable opportunity, they can click into the listing to view details such as the type of legal work involved, the community served, training and support provided, and skill development opportunities. Once a lawyer expresses interest in a case, the system automatically sends an introductory email connecting the volunteer with the organization’s contact person.
Read the full article by author Branislav Urosevic posted on May 12, 2025.
People Mentioned
Partner, Disputes, Toronto
