Victoria criminal lawyer Roberto Alberto jumped at the chance to participate in a free legal advice clinic Thursday in Centennial Square.
"I think all lawyers have a duty and a desire to give back to the community," Alberto said. "We understand not all of us can see a lawyer to get proper advice. So what a great opportunity to actually say we have a designated day to do this."
In an attempt to dispel the myth of the greedy, immoral attorney, 18 lawyers gave free legal advice to low-income and marginalized clients at the event, called Pro Bono Going Public.
This was the fourth year the event, sponsored by the Canadian Bar Association and the Law Society of B.C., has been held in Victoria. It is organized by Access Pro Bono, an independent charity dedicated to increasing access to justice. Pro bono legal work is done without compensation for the public good.
The lawyers dealt with issues including child support, divorce, tenancy, wrongful dismissals and minor criminal cases.
"In here, you hear issues that are so unique," Alberto said. "Essentially, it is a learning experience for all of us. We see things that we don't see in our day-to-day practice."
Alberto talked to a man who was about to appear before the medical review board hearing. The client asked Alberto questions about whether his apprehension by authorities had been appropriate.
"I gave advice about what kind of evidence he can bring in, his right to be heard and how to be efficient when making an argument," Alberto said. "As a lawyer, you become a bit of a counsellor and listen very well. Sometimes, people just want to be heard. We help them discern the cloud of information they sometimes have."
His point was not lost on Jamie Maclaren, executive director of the Access Pro Bono Society of B.C.
"Even if they are not having their legal matters resolved in 30 minutes, I think it's important for people to be heard and be able to talk to someone who can provide some feedback," Maclaren said. "There's a value in that process."
The event is held to raise awareness of the regular pro bono clinics in all communities throughout B.C. In Victoria, clinics are held at the Intercultural Association of Greater Victoria, the West Shore Society and the Salvation Army.
Pro bono services are meant to complement, not replace, a proper legal aid system, he said. "But as legal aid is cut back, there's a greater demand for probono services."
Sacha Roudette, who was called to the bar just last Thursday, said she was concerned about access to justice throughout law school.
"There are all sorts of people who slip through the system," Roudette said.
"It's nice to have an opportunity like this to reach out to the community and help people that wouldn't have a chance to talk to a lawyer."
Erik, who didn't want to give his last name, waited in the sun for his chance to get free legal advice.
The young Victoria man, who learned about the event online, said he had a few questions about his family matter, but had done most of his research on his own.
"I can't afford a lawyer, but there's just a few things about how the court system is run that lawyers know how to do," he said. "I think the advice will help me move smoothly on my own through the family system."
Everyone should have a right to free and equal legal advice, he said.
People in need of free legal advice can call the Access Pro Bono hotline at 1-877-762-6664.