At Cassels, we believe in giving back to the communities in which we work and live and recognize that our combined efforts can have a truly significant impact. Our staff and lawyers have always been active in our communities: sitting on boards, coaching sports teams, spearheading fundraising efforts, mentoring youth and volunteering their time with charitable organizations such as the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic; Right To Play Canada; SickKids Foundation; and the United Way.
We also believe that we have a responsibility to assist disadvantaged and marginalized people in securing legal services that could otherwise remain out of reach. We are extremely proud of the passion, commitment and hard work our associates and lawyers have demonstrated in their pro bono efforts on behalf of organizations and programs such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Canada; Classroom Champions; and Special Olympics Canada. You can read more about our commitment to our community here.
Our Perspective
Here’s what one of are lawyers has been saying about the value Cassels places on spearheading pro bono initiatives in our community:
The flexible approach to pro bono at Cassels has allowed me to maintain a busy pro bono practice alongside my work on billable files. The firm’s support has been instrumental to my work on duty counsel and legal assistance projects at the Ontario Securities Commission and College of Early Childhood Educators. As an associate, I was also able to open a new pro bono matter providing legal assistance to RARE Theatre Company, a not for profit organization that I sit on the board of. This support has been critical to the company’s growth from a fledgling organization to a registered charity. Through these pro bono initiatives, I have been able to give back to the community while gaining valuable hands-on experience at early stages of my career. – Christopher Horkins, Partner, Advocacy Group, Toronto Office
As a summer student at Cassels, I have been able to foster my interests and learn new skills in a supportive and thoughtful environment. At Cassels, summer students are given the opportunity to challenge themselves and contribute substantively to files, while still having the support and guidance that enables them to succeed. Personally, I have been fortunate enough to work on multiple pro bono files, which has been a meaningful and important experience for me. This is also a testament to Cassels’ dedication to pro bono endeavors and community involvement. – Kiyan Jamal, UofT JD 2022, Toronto Articling Student 2022/2023