Our Services

Following the launch of its first program on May 25, 2009, Pro Bono Québec receives applications for free legal services from citizens and groups of citizens who believe they meet our eligibility criteria. To go to the application form, click here.

The Pro Bono Approval and Referral Committee reviews applications and decides which to accept. The Committee may need additional information before making a decision.

If the Committee accepts an application, Pro Bono Québec refers the request for services to a lawyer or law firm that has contributed to the bank of hours of free legal services. The choice of lawyer or law firm is based on the type of case and, if possible, the place of residence of the applicant.

Pro Bono Québec has the exclusive right to choose the lawyer or law firm. If the applicant refuses the choice of lawyer or law firm, wants to change lawyers or law firms, or if the lawyer or law firm puts an end to the mandate (agreement to provide services), the applicant can no longer receive services from Pro Bono Québec.

Until a lawyer or law firm accepts the case and a mandate has been signed, the proposed lawyer or law firm is not obligated to provide any services whatsoever. Until a mandate has been signed, applicants must take steps to protect their rights, including meeting any deadlines.

Pro Bono Québec is entitled to accept or refuse any application for free legal services. Lawyers and law firms receiving referrals from Pro Bono Québec are also entitled to refuse mandates. There is no obligation to accept an application.

Pro Bono Québec charges a $20 non-refundable fee to process each application.

Legal services are free, but clients (applicants) must pay other expenses, court costs, experts’ fees and any other fees.

Participating lawyers and law firms have agreed that all pro bono legal services will meet the standards of quality and excellence required by the profession and that apply to paying clients. Lawyers and law firms referred by Pro Bono Québec are solely responsible for carrying out pro bono mandates and clients agree that Pro Bono Québec cannot be held responsible for services provided.