03 Jun 2024
Canadian Lawyer has released the second edition of its 5-Star Pro Bono Law Firms report, which honours firms and legal departments committed to initiatives delivering free legal services to those most in need.
With the support of Pro Bono Ontario, Canadian Lawyer selected the standouts from a pool of over 50 nominees. The winnerfs have promoted pro bono work by implementing formal structures, supporting interested lawyers, and counting pro bono time toward lawyers’ targets, among other ways.
JFK Law LLP, one of this year’s awardees, drives a culture of pro bono service within its ranks. The Aboriginal law litigation boutique devotes time and effort to addressing the access to justice issues of Indigenous peoples, including in relation to employment law and human rights matters.
The firm, headquartered in B.C., has helped institutions meet the Truth and Reconciliation Commission calls to action and conform to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
“When you’re dealing with Indigenous Peoples and what issues come to bear when they’re trying to defend their rights, it gets complicated because of Canada’s history and the need for reconciliation, which is still very much an unfinished project,” says managing partner Sara Mainville.