Issue link: https://digital.canadianlawyermag.com/i/466000
Everyone accused of a crime deserves a defence. But too many low-income Torontonians can't afford to pay a lawyer and don't qualify for public assistance. Since 2011, McCarthy Tétrault has partnered with the University of Toronto's Downtown Legal Services legal aid clinic (DLS) to represent accused persons who would otherwise fall between the cracks. Overseen by Michael Rosenberg, together with Daniel Goldbloom and Andrew Matheson, McCarthy Tétrault's pro bono criminal defence initiative has helped more than 35 clients who would otherwise have faced the criminal courts without legal representation. At the trial level, McCarthy Tétrault takes on low-income clients of DLS who are facing more serious criminal charges and cannot be defended by a law student. The firm's lawyers push hard for negotiated resolutions or victory at trial. At the appellate level, McCarthy Tétrault's lawyers work with DLS law students to prepare and argue meritorious criminal appeals that would otherwise go without counsel. This is a service both to the clients, who benefit from experienced repre entation, and to the DLS students, who receive skills-based training. DLS Staff Lawyer Karen Bellinger has been thrilled with program's success. "The criminal justice system isn't designed for people to represent themselves," Ms. Bellinger said. "Results can be disastrous for individuals without a lawyer. McCarthy Tétrault's pro bono program is offering a wonderful service to the community." Program director Michael Rosenberg is pleased with the initiative's impact on clients and lawyers alike. "Our clients get great representation pro bono and our lawyers get great courtroom experience," said Mr. Rosenberg. "It's a win-win." MCCARTHY TÉTRAULT: APPEARING PRO BONO FOR THE DEFENCE "The clients we act for as part of the McCarthy Tétrault Criminal Defence Initiative get great representation pro bono, while our lawyers get great courtroom experience. It's a win-win." Michael Rosenberg, Program Director Michael Rosenberg (left) runs the McCarthy Tétrault Pro Bono Criminal Defence Initiative, together with Daniel Goldbloom (middle), and Andrew Matheson (right). 14