Over four days in Vancouver, New Westminster, Kelowna and Victoria, 109 volunteer lawyers provided free legal advice to 202 pre-booked and walk-up clients as part of Pro Bono Going Public 2012.

Clients overwhelmingly appreciated the opportunity to receive free legal advice in accessible public spaces, and consistently thanked APB staff and volunteers for offering such a valuable service.

The event also succeeded in raising considerable awareness of APB's pro bono legal services and BC lawyers' commitment to increasing access to justice. It generated excellent publicity through several media outlets, including CBC Radio, CFAX radio and a number of major newspapers.

Last but certainly not least, participating lawyers raised $41,250 in direct support of APB's front-line services. Including $22,000 in corporate sponsorships, the event raised $63,250 for the maintenance and expansion of vital pro bono programs as APB forges ahead into 2013.

The top fundraising lawyers were:

1. Greg Heywood (Roper Greyell LLP) $5,550
2. William Storey (William R. Storey Personal Law Corp.) $3,865
3. Nicole Garton-Jones (Heritage Law) $2,775
4. Keri Grenier (Pushor Mitchell LLP) $2,580
5. Claire Hunter (Hunter Litigation Chambers)  $2,210
6. Jessie Hadley (Community Legal Assistance Society)  $1,710
7. Roy Millen (Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP) $1,510
8. Sarah Nelligan (Lawson Lundell LLP) $1,435
9. Steven Meurrens (Larlee Rosenberg) $1,280
10. William Roberts (Lawson Lundell LLP) $1,100

The top fundraising law firms were:

1. Lawson Lundell LLP  $6,620
2. Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP  $3,560
3. Hunter Litigation Chambers  $3,010
4. McCarthy Tetrault LLP $2,000

APB thanks everyone who contributed to making Pro Bono Going Public 2012 such a huge success. We look forward to doing it all again in 2013.