Thanks to our amazing volunteer lawyers and donors, Pro Bono Going Public 2013 was another roaring success.

Over the five days in New Westminster, Vancouver, Kamloops, Victoria and Surrey, 110 volunteer lawyers provided legal advice to 232 pre-booked and walk-up clients. Clients were overwhelmingly appreciative of the opportunity to receive free legal advice in public spaces, and many of them personally thanked our staff and volunteers for offering such a great service to their community.

The event also succeeded in raising considerable public awareness of APB's pro bono services, and showcased the generosity of BC’s pro bono lawyers and their commitment to increasing access to justice. It received widespread and glowing publicity in national, provincial and local media of all types.

Last but certainly not least, participating lawyers raised over $40,000 in support of our direct pro bono services. Together with $17,000 in corporate sponsorships, the event raised more than $57,000 for the maintenance and expansion of our vital pro bono programs as we forge ahead into 2014.

The top fundraising lawyers were:

1. Greg Heywood (Roper Greyell) - $7,010

2. Bill Maclagan (Blakes) - $4,400

3. William Storey (Kitsilano Family Law Group) - $4,255

4. Jamie Maclaren (Access Pro Bono) - $4,055

5. Tamara Hunter (Davis) - $2,700

6. Roy Millen (Blakes) - $1,960

7. Sarah Nelligan (Lawson Lundell) - $1,380

8. Charlene Le Beau (Martin & Martin Lawyers) - $1,310

9. David Moriarty (Richards Buell Sutton) - $1,000

10. Sarah McEachern (Borden Ladner Gervais) - $870

11. David Gibbons (Blakes) - $800

12. Nicola Allen (Schuman Daltrop Basran & Robin) - $730

13. Shannon Salter (WCAT) - $705

The top fundraising law firms were:

1. Blakes - $7,410

2. Access Pro Bono Non-Profiteers - $4,085

3. Davis LLP - $4,010

4. Team Lawson - $2,398

5. Brown Henderson Melbye - $1,630

We thank everyone who was involved in making Pro Bono Going Public 2013 such a huge success, and we look forward to doing it all again in 2014.