Beginning in December 2023, lawyers have been able to claim continuing professional development (CPD) credit for pro bono services provided to clients or non-profit organizations. So far, 298 lawyers have utilized this option and more are encouraged to consider using some of the 12 required CPD hours annually for pro bono work.
For the purposes of CPD, “pro bono legal services” means legal advice or services provided to persons of limited means or non-profit organizations without the expectation of a fee. Lawyers may claim one hour of CPD credit for each hour of pro bono legal services provided and credit is based on actual time spent providing legal services. The subject matter of all accredited learning modes must deal primarily with one or more of the topics listed on the CPD criteria page. Lawyers can record credits by logging into the Member Portal.
The Benchers’ decision to recognize pro bono as a learning opportunity stemmed from a 2022 report from the Access to Justice Advisory Committee, which stated that providing pro bono legal services supports the CPD program’s goal of achieving and maintaining professionalism. The report states, “[the committee] has recognized that pro bono activity exposes lawyers to important professional development opportunities that are not always present in a paid retainer, including supporting an ethos of professionalism and giving back as professionals who hold a privileged place in society.”
The committee’s view was that pro bono work helps lawyers gain new perspectives on how to provide services effectively and consider issues such as income disparity, homelessness, addiction and mental health issues, and systemic barriers to equality of justice. From the intake and interview process, to triage and communicating with clients and finding solutions that are practical to the client’s needs, lawyers have the opportunity to develop or hone different professional skills. Lawyers who take on a pro bono file are required to treat it with all of the professional responsibility and obligations that adhere to a standard fee-for-service retainer.
The Law Society also supports pro bono in other ways. The Lawyers Indemnity Fund extends professional liability indemnification at no cost to retired, non-practising or indemnity-exempt lawyers for sanctioned pro bono legal services. The Law Society also provides funding to the Law Foundation of BC to support pro bono services and access to justice programs.
The Law Society has long recognized that the provision of pro bono legal services helps advance the public interest in the administration of justice and is an important tradition that contributes to what it means to be a legal professional. In 2017, the Benchers adopted a vision for how lawyers can improve access to justice and legal services, which included stating that “this privilege [of practising law] carries with it a duty to society for lawyers to find ways to make their services accessible and to promote access to justice. Lawyers, through provision of legal services, have always played an essential role in helping people achieve access to justice and must continue to do so.”
For more information on claiming CPD for pro bono legal services and other eligible activities, visit the Continuing Professional Development web page or contact cpd@lsbc.org.