JBM welcomes the Interim Report of the Independent Task Force on Reform of the Legal Aid Tariff Structure

The Jeune Barreau de Montréal (JBM) welcomes the Interim Report of the Independent Task Force on Reform of the Legal Aid Tariff Structure (the "Interim Report"), which contains several recommendations that will benefit citizens.ne.s and lawyers in private practice who accept legal aid mandates.

For several years now, the JBM has been campaigning for an in-depth reform of Quebec's legal aid system. Already in 2016, the JBM published the Rapport du JBM sur le système d'aide juridique québécois (JBM Report on the Quebec legal aid system ), which outlined the needs related to the operation of the legal aid system, and more specifically those of lawyers.e.s in private practice accepting legal aid mandates. In April 2021, the JBM revised and submitted this Report to the Independent Working Group.

We are pleased to note that the Interim Report makes many recommendations that are aligned with those proposed by the JBM, including the following:

• Set up a simplified legal aid application process;
• Establish links with government departments and agencies to obtain required documentation directly;
• Establish a process for sharing information and documentation between the Commission des services juridiques and the various legal aid centers and offices, even before the implementation of a digital platform; and
• Remunerate the lawyer according to the applicable rates for emergency services, regardless of the final decision on the client's eligibility.

The JBM reiterates its willingness to play an active role in this long-awaited reform, and is available to develop information tools and training courses for lawyers in private practice. Having already published the Guide d'organisation du travail et de facturation pour les avocats et avocates de pratique privée acceptant les mandats d'aide juridique, the JBM recognizes the importance of better disseminating information on this subject.

The JBM will continue to follow the work of the Independent Working Group very closely, and looks forward with great interest to the publication of the final report, which will deal in more detail with the revision of the tariff structure for legal aid fees and disbursements.

The Young Bar of Montreal (JBM)

Founded in 1898, the JBM brings together over 5,000 members who have been practicing in Montreal for ten years or less. These young lawyers work in all areas of the law, making their mark professionally. They are the next generation of lawyers, both nationally and internationally. They form an influential group, involved in the community and destined to become leaders in all spheres of society. When it comes to public affairs, the JBM's mandate is to position itself as a key player in the popularization of current legislation.

-30-

For further information, please contact

Joey Suri | Director in charge of the JBM Public Affairs Committee

cap@ajbm.qc.ca | 514 954-3498 | www.ajbm.qc.ca