National Pro Bono awards 2026

Call for applications for the National Pro Bono awards 2026

Let’s celebrate those who are making a significant impact on access to justice! 

Pro Bono Ontario, Access Pro Bono (BC), Pro Bono Law Alberta, Pro Bono Law Saskatchewan, and Justice Pro Bono (QC) are pleased to announce a call for nominations for the Canadian National Pro Bono awards 2026. 

We will be recognizing organizations across Canada for their outstanding contributions to pro bono work in three categories: 

  • Law Firm  
  • Professional  
  • Community Service Program 

The awards will be presented at the National Pro Bono Gala on November 12, 2026 in Toronto during the 10th National Pro Bono Conference. 

Nomination submission deadline: August 31, 2026 

We welcome nominations from all Canadian provinces and territories.

National Pro Bono award – Law Firm 

This award recognizes a Canadian law firm or notary firm that has made an exceptional contribution to the delivery of pro bono legal services. The selection committee will evaluate nominations based on the following criteria: 

  • The impact of the firm’s services on beneficiaries, the community, and access to justice  
  • The number of clients served by the firm’s pro bono program  
  • The number of pro bono hours provided by the firm 
  • The people involved in the service 
  • Innovative approaches used by the firm in delivering pro bono services 
  • Collaborations established with other legal or community organizations to provide the services 

National Pro Bono award – Professional 

This award recognizes an individual lawyer or notary who has made an exceptional contribution to providing pro bono legal services to low-income clients. The selection committee will evaluate nominations based on the individual’s demonstrated commitment to pro bono work, including the following elements: 

  • The impact of the professional’s services on recipients, the community, and access to justice 
  • The number of clients served  
  • The number of pro bono hours provided  
  • The exemplary track record of the professional  
  • Innovative approaches used by the professional in delivering pro bono services  
  • Collaborations established with other legal or community organizations to provide the services. 

National Pro Bono award – Program 

This award recognizes a Canadian pro bono program that improves access to legal services for low-income clients. The selection committee will evaluate programs based on their ability to: 

  • Fill a gap in existing services or meet unmet legal needs in a community  
  • Use innovative strategies to improve access to justice  
  • Increase the participation of lawyers or notaries in pro bono activities  
  • Promote collaboration between legal and community service providers.
     

The following elements will be considered:  
 

  • The impact of the program’s services on recipients, the community, and access to justice  
  • The number of clients served by the program 
  • The number of pro bono hours provided under the program  
  • Innovative approaches used by the program 
  • Collaborations established with other legal or community organizations to provide the services 
  • The people involved in the program. 
     

You have until August 31, 2026, to submit a nomination. 

All nominations will be reviewed by the selection committee, which includes representatives from Pro Bono Ontario, Access Pro Bono (BC), Pro Bono Law Alberta, Pro Bono Law Saskatchewan, and Justice Pro Bono (QC). 

The awards will be presented at the National Pro Bono gala, which will be held on November 12, 2026, in Toronto, ON, during the 10th National Pro Bono Conference. 

Contact information

Please send any queries to
probono2026@probonoontario.org 

Visit Pro Bono Ontario