Issue link: https://digital.canadianlawyermag.com/i/466000
Epstein Cole has been giving back to the community since 1978. Whether the firm is providing free legal services, supporting organizations that assist women and children, or donating to worthy causes, Epstein Cole lawyers see pro bono as an obligation and privilege of the legal profession. The firm also has a track record of mentoring students and training them to be superb family lawyers. When Pro Bono Students Canada approached Epstein Cole to support PBSC's award-winning Family Law Project, the firm did not hesitate. The Family Law Project aids vulnerable people in a time of crisis and enhances the administration of justice. Each year, up to 100 Ontario law students assist thousands of low-income individuals by helping them fill out their forms and navigate the system. Faced with a sharp decrease in funding that threatened to shut the project down, PBSC approached the firm to assist with its Campaign for Family Justice. Epstein Cole and Phil Epstein kicked off the Campaign with a combined gift of $150,000. Since then, the firm has helped PBSC raise almost $500,000, pulling the Family Law Project back from the brink of collapse. Epstein Cole is proud to work with PBSC, supporting its dynamic and critical work in providing free legal assistance, fostering the value of pro bono work among our profession and bettering the public image of lawyers. SUPPORTING ACCESS TO JUSTICE IN FAMILY LAW: A LONGSTANDING EPSTEIN COLE TRADI TION "As a family lawyer, I know too well that a relationship breakdown can be one of the most difficult times in a person's life, particularly when there are children involved. For poor and low-income Ontarians who can't afford a lawyer, the stress is often unbearable." Phillip M. Epstein, Q.C. Epstein Cole LLP lawyers Roslyn Tsao, Richard Greene and Philip Epstein with PBSC National Director Nikki Gershbain and Margaretta Hanna, former PBSC Family Law Project Coordinator 11