The CCIJ is developing a roster of lawyers nation-wide, interested in offering pro bono services to work on specific cases and to offer legal advice as the need arises. Expertise in international and domestic criminal law, immigration law, and civil litigation are sought in particular.
For example, the CCIJ had the benefit of the pro bono services of David Matas, a Winnipeg-based lawyer with expertise in domestic immigration law and international criminal law (and a member of the CCIJ Board), in the case of Mugesera v. Canada (Minister of Citizenship and Immigration), [2005] 2 S.C.R. 91, 2005. The CCIJ had intervener status in this case in which the Supreme Court upheld a deportation order for Léon Mugesera, a former Rwandan politician implicated in the Rwandan genocide, on the grounds of inciting hatred and for suspicion of crimes against humanity.
Pro bono assistance is also needed in civil litigation test cases in provincial jurisdictions across the country. The use of provincial tort law to seek remedies for harms arising from atrocities committed in other countries is largely untested. The CCIJ is aware of potential cases and is developing a national strategy with a view to ensuring the best possible outcomes in early case law.
Finally, pro bono assistanceis required to clarify specific legal issues as the CCIJ provides advice and support in individual cases, seeking to give guidance about the most appropriate remedy domestically or internationally.
We are looking for lawyers with relevant expertise across the country who are willing to be placed on a roster.
Send an to inquire about our Legal Case Work and how to join our roster of pro-bono lawyers.
