Project Summary
In collaboration with Pro Bono Law Alberta (PBLA), this project assists self-represented litigants (SRLs) with their civil claims in Calgary’s King’s Bench Masters and Justice Chambers. Volunteer lawyers act as amicus curiae and appear in morning chambers to assist SRLs. This project also includes a “storefront” afternoon shift where SRLs can receive summary legal information regarding civil matters. Students participate by providing assistance with triage, client intake, client evaluation, research, and completion of project documentation and court forms. Students can also assist with procedural matters in morning chambers, thereby having an opportunity to practice oral advocacy and provide legal or referral information.
“The courts can be a complex field to navigate, especially if you are a self-represented litigant. I was drawn to the King’s Bench Amicus Project because it assists self-represented litigants with their civil claims, making it easier for them to wade through copious amounts of legal documentation and court forms.”
David Mikhaiel
Project Lead 2020-2021
Number of Students and Prerequisites
– 3 student volunteers
– Upper year students applicants will be given priority
– No prerequisites required
– Civil Claims Duty Counsel or Student Legal Assistance experience is an asset
Area of Law
– Civil Law
– Bankruptcy Law
– Real Estate Law
– Court Procedure
Legal Skills
– Delivery of legal information
– Client interviewing skills
– Oral advocacy skills
– Public speaking skills
Project Type
Court-Based Project
Time Commitment
Students will be scheduled for a 3-5 hour shifts every other week. All shifts will be scheduled at the beginning of each semester so students have an opportunity to plan in advance, and around their course schedules.
Student volunteers on this project are expected to volunteer from October to March (excluding December). PBSC students are expected to volunteer 3-5 hours per week. Additional hours are at the student’s discretion. Overall, all PBSC projects are easily manageable alongside academic demands.
Required Training
All training for this project is schedule and provided by PBSC Calgary and the organization. This training will take place in September-October, and will not conflict with student’s course schedules.
The training sessions will provide an overview of:
– The KB Amicus program
– Student roles and expectations (tailored to in-person, virtual, or both formats, depending on volunteer preference).
– PBLA program policies, resources, and other administrative matters relating to the operation of the KB Amicus Program.
– Technical training on virtual platforms for program delivery.
PBLA will oversee shadow shifts for new volunteers virtually and at physical program locations whenever in-person services resume. Program information will also be available to students on an ongoing basis through a Volunteer Student Manual and periodic project updates.
In addition to the training provided by PBLA, the following PBSC training sessions are mandatory to volunteer on this project:
– PBSC Process Overview
– PBSC Ethics and Professional Responsibility Training
– PBSC Anti-Oppression Training
– Westlaw Research Strategies Training
Specific dates and times will be provided once volunteers are placed on their respective projects.
How to Apply?
Applications for the 2023/2024 are currently open! Please fill out the Google Form linked below.