News
CREATION OF A NEW POINT OF SERVICE TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO JUSTICE IN MONTREAL: JURIPÔLE
Montreal, February 4, 2025 December 2023 - Le Jeune Barreau de Montréal (hereinafter " the JBM ") - The Bar of Montreal and the Centre de justice de proximité du Grand-Montréal are proud to announce the creation of a brand new point of service designed to improve access to justice by offering legal information to people unrepresented in court: the JuriPôle. Born in a context where self-representation is on the rise, this concept, unprecedented in Quebec, centralizes three complementary services in civil and family matters in a single location.
JuriPôle is the fruit of an alliance between three organizations united by their desire to provide appropriate support to litigants navigating the legal system alone, who may find themselves disoriented or in vulnerable situations.
From left to right: Élizabeth Ménard-Laberge, Executive Director of the Young Bar of Montreal, Caroline Larouche, Bâtonnière of the Bar of Montreal, Noémie Merrette, SAGE Coordinator, Estelle Drouin-Touchette, CJPGM Legal Officer, Jennifer Fafard-Marconi, CJPGM Executive Director.
A reference point for free legal information
Located on the second floor of the Palais de justice de Montréal (premises 2.21 to 2.27), JuriPôle offers direct, personalized support. Eligible litigants will have access to a free session with a qualified jurist to whom they can ask questions and who can help them move their case forward.
More specifically, the three services offered are as follows:
- Service d'avocat de garde en matière familiale (SAGE) of the Bar of Montreal, available by court referral on the day of the hearing.
- The Jeune Barreau de Montréal's hearing preparation service, available by appointment, to help clients prepare their case and familiarize them with the hearing process.
- The Centre de justice de proximité du Grand-Montréal's walk-in assistance service , offering a session with a lawyer or notary who is a general civilist, to help you better understand a situation and the options available to you.
JuriPôle also plays an important role in referral and orientation in matters of justice. People who are not eligible for services are referred to the appropriate external resources. To this end, it offers a well-stocked and continuously updated documentation center, where numerous leaflets and guides are available.
The JuriPôle is open from Tuesday to Thursday, according to the following schedule:
Tuesday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For more information, visit: https: //www.barreaudemontreal.qc.ca/public/services-au-public/juripole
Quotes
"JuriPôle acts in the service of justice and litigants, and I'm extremely proud of it. Self-represented people have a great need for support. By providing them with tools to facilitate the process, not only do they benefit, but so does the justice system. By properly supporting these individuals, the legal process can be shorter, less costly and less complex, to the benefit of everyone involved," emphasizes Montreal Bâtonnière Caroline Larouche.
"This project is the fruit of an exceptional collaboration between three committed organizations, each driven by a shared desire to support litigants. Together, we have created a place where legal information and mutual assistance take on their full meaning." Marie Flambard, President of the Young Bar of Montreal.
"Supporting people where they need it most is at the heart of our actions. By offering them concrete, accessible support, we aim to simplify and humanize their journey through the justice system. The establishment of the JuriPôle at the Palais de justice de Montréal is a further step towards improving the experience of people, particularly those who are unrepresented, and fostering a justice system that is better adapted to their realities." Jennifer Fafard-Marconi, Executive Director, Centre de justice de proximité du Grand-Montréal
About the Young Bar of Montreal
Founded in 1898, the JBM brings together lawyers practicing in Montreal for ten years or less, with nearly 6,000 members. This makes it one of the largest associations of young lawyers in the world, in terms of numbers for a single city. Its mission is twofold. On the one hand, it defends and promotes the interests of its members. On the other, it provides pro bono legal advice and information to various segments of the population, and organizes charitable activities. Overall, we aim to improve access to justice and contribute to the well-being of the community. To find out more about our initiatives for the public, visit the Public Services section of our website: http: //ajbm.qc.ca.
About the Bar of Montreal
Founded in 1849, the Bar of Montreal represents nearly 17,000 lawyers. Its mission is to protect the public while supporting its members in the practice of their profession. Further information is available at www.barreaudemontreal.qc.ca.
About the Centre de justice de proximité du Grand-Montréal
Gradually established since 2010 in all regions of Quebec, Community Justice Centres (CJPs) are non-profit organizations whose mission is to promote access to justice by encouraging people's participation, through legal and information services, support and guidance, offered in complementarity with existing resources. To date, 13 CJPs meet the legal needs of people across the province, regardless of their income. Their teams, made up of notaries and lawyers, have developed recognized expertise in community justice work. The CJPs promote better access to justice, act to prevent legal problems and contribute to strengthening people's knowledge and power to take action on their legal issues. Community Justice Centres are funded by the Fonds accès justice of the Quebec Ministry of Justice.
For further information, please contact
Élizabeth Ménard-Laberge | General Manager
emenardlaberge@ajbm.qc.ca | www.ajbm.qc.ca
