What: Law Help Ontario 5th Anniversary Cocktail Reception
Where: The Advocates’ Society, 480 University Ave.
When: December 10, 2012
Earlier this week, Pro Bono Law Ontario celebrated the five-year anniversary of Law Help Ontario, its service arm that provides free legal advice through bricks-and-mortar clinics and via telephone.
The event, held at The Advocates’ Society’s sleek party room on University Avenue, was attended by a handful of senior lawyers as well as a lot of recent calls, students and articling students.
As it was mid-December, everyone seemed keen to test out their fashionable party wear. There was a range of looks, from spiffy red cardigans to colourful tights, and one very smart white cocktail dress (got for a song at Joe Fresh).
The main topic of conversation: how much everyone loved putting in their pro bono hours. Many were keen to contribute more.
After cocktails and chatting, the short formal component of the event was kicked off by PBLO co-chair Justice Frank Marrocco.
He told the crowd that Law Help Ontario was one of the “few concrete ways we improve access to justice for people.” He said the program has provided assistance to 45,000 people since its launch in 2007.
Attendees heard the number again when organizers cued up a brand new promotional video. Many of the video’s stars were also in the room — including Precedent Setter Award winner Ranjan Agarwal of Bennett Jones LLP, looking thread-perfect in a dark suit and purple tie.
It was a quick, stylish and overall feel-good night acknowledging the value of pro bono work and this essential program.
Photography by Horst Herget courtesy of Pro Bono Law Ontario