Supporting Access Pro Bono Society of British Columbia
The bGuiled Debate Society exists not only to celebrate advocacy, wit, and collegiality within the legal profession, but also to support meaningful access to justice. All proceeds from the bGuiled Debate are donated to the Access Pro Bono Society of British Columbia (“Access Pro Bono”).
Each year, more than 60,000 British Columbians contact Access Pro Bono for help navigating legal issues they cannot resolve on their own. With the support of volunteer lawyers, law students, donors, and sponsors, Access Pro Bono provides free and affordable legal services to individuals, families, and non-profit organizations of limited means across the province.
Access Pro Bono’s work is grounded in a simple but essential belief: access to justice is central to the rule of law and a functioning democracy. By meeting people where they are and placing human dignity at the centre of legal service delivery, Access Pro Bono empowers individuals to confront life-changing legal problems with confidence and compassion.
Everyone Legal Clinic
In May 2022, Access Pro Bono expanded its impact with the launch of the Everyone Legal Clinic, a first-of-its-kind, province-wide public interest law incubator. The Clinic offers a full range of free and affordable legal services to communities across British Columbia, regardless of location.
At the same time, the Everyone Legal Clinic fosters an alternative pathway to traditional articling by engaging a diverse cohort of 25 articling students and five new notaries, helping to build a more inclusive and sustainable legal profession while serving those most in need.
Our Contribution
In 2023, the bGuiled Debate raised $4,444 for Access Pro Bono. We are proud to direct the proceeds of our event to the Everyone Legal Clinic and to Access Pro Bono’s broader mission of expanding access to justice, strengthening communities, and improving the justice system in British Columbia.
