The JBM Telephone Legal Clinic: a third edition during a pandemic, an initiative as important as ever!

Over 1,500 calls were received on April 24 and 25 during the ^36th edition of the Young Bar of Montreal's (JBM) telephone legal clinic, in partnership with the Quebec Bar and the CAIJ. In a spirit of solidarity, we held three editions during the 2020-2021 mandate, responding to over 4,000 calls during the pandemic.

More specifically, the ^36th edition enabled Quebecers to receive free legal advice of all kinds over the telephone, as well as information on various dispute prevention and resolution methods. Once again, volunteer lawyers were on hand in large numbers to support the public. Among the most popular topics were the following:

• Family (23%)
• Contracts (22%)
• Housing (11%)
• Civil liability (10%)
• Criminal and penal (9%)
• Employment (7%)
• Estates (4%)
• Public & administrative (4%)

We would like to thank all the volunteers who took part in this event, which has been unique in Quebec for over 30 years, and would not be possible without them. Special thanks go to the Pro Bono Legal Services Committee , led by JBM director^Me Gabrielle O'Reilly Patry, and to the Telephone Legal Clinic sub-committee, headed by^Me Carolyne Valois.

A few words from^Mylène Lemieux, President of JBM

"The JBM is very proud to have organized the Telephone Legal Clinic for the third time in 9 months. In these times of the COVID-19 pandemic, solidarity remains at the heart of the initiative. This year's event focused on various methods of conflict prevention and resolution, and the volunteer lawyers were able to answer questions from the public.to answer questions from Quebec citizens seeking information on their rights and obligations, their recourse, and creative and participative solutions to their conflicts. "

A few words from Stéphanie Beaulieu^, JBM General Manager

"Once again, our team and partners have adapted to new realities to maintain this ^36th edition for the benefit of the Quebec population. Lawyers, law students and paralegals gave generously of their time to offer this valuable service and help citizens across the province throughout the weekend, using a 100% remote formula. A huge thank you to all the volunteers for your generosity and dedication! "

We would also like to thank our partners, the Barreau du Québec and the CAIJ, as well as our collaborators the Canadian Association of Paralegals, the Association des avocats et avocates en droit familial du Québec, the Association des Jeunes Barreaux de Région, the Centre de Justice de Proximité du Grand Montréal, Éducaloi, the Jeune Barreau de Québec and Justice Pro Bono.

Access to justice

Founded in 1898, the JBM represents lawyers practicing ten years or less in Montreal, with over 5,000 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: firstly, to defend and promote 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, it aims to improve access to justice and contribute to the collective well-being. The JBM offers a number of services to help Quebecers gain access to justice.

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For further information, please contact

Joannie Tremblay | Communications and Public Relations Coordinator

jtremblay@ajbm.qc.ca | 514 954-6936 | www.ajbm.qc.ca