If you would like to provide pro bono legal services exclusively through an Approved Legal Services Provider, you can apply for Active Member, Pro Bono Legal Services status. You must have an active status before you can apply for Pro Bono Legal Services status. In the event your status is not active, you will need to apply for reinstatement prior to changing your status to Pro Bono; you are exempt from paying the reinstatement application fee.

Active members of the Law Society of Alberta who are entitled to practise law apply for Pro Bono status online through the Lawyer Portal by submitting:

• An Active Member, Pro Bono Legal Services application
• If you are a responsible lawyer, you must attach and submit proof that your trust account has been closed
• If you are in private practice you must provide file handling information

Follow the step-by-step instructions in our User Guide here.

Once the Law Society has reviewed your application, you will receive an email outlining any further requirements related to your status change.

If you are an active member electing to change you status to pro bono, you may be eligible to receive a pro-rated refund of your active membership fee.

Please note that refunds on indemnity levies paid will not be available to lawyers leaving private practice during the policy year.

Approved Legal Services Providers

The current list of Approved Legal Services Providers is provided on the Law Society Website.

Membership Fee

The Active Member, Pro Bono Legal Services status requires an annual membership fee equivalent to the inactive member fee.

Indemnity Coverage

Pro bono services provided by Approved Legal Services Providers are automatically covered under the group policy (see Indemnity and Indemnity Exemptions).

Restrictions

Active members providing pro bono legal services may not engage in the practice of law outside the scope of the Approved Legal Services Provider.

Registration of a Professional Corporation or a Limited Liability Partnership is not available to lawyers in this category of membership.