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Access to Justice Fund pushes test cases to counsel a financial shot in the arm by establishing the Access to Justice Fund. "It [the fund] relates to a specific case. We have for many years hoped for an opportunity to expand the right to counsel," said West Coast LEAF execu- tive director and lawyer Alison Brewin. The endowment fund, established W under the auspices of the Vancity Community Foundation, will support test case litigation that advances the constitutional rights of women, and men, to legal representation in complex family law and other civil matters. Currently, she said, the British Columbia Public Interest Advocacy Centre has a case before the court that est Coast LEAF is attempting to give family law and civil test cases that advocate for the right is raising the question of a family's right to have counsel in a test case. The fund is being set up to address and offset costs in this case currently. But, should the litigant be successful in arguing for state-funded counsel, therefore not requiring the indemnification, the fund will support LEAF's work in advancing access to justice more generally. Currently, the fund has only $1,000 but is soliciting donations. Brewin said she hopes it will generate up to $25,000 to bring forward cases that will broaden family rights to counsel. Vancity Community Foundation is part of the Vancity Group, which includes Vancity Savings Credit Union. Contributions can go to Vancity Community Foundation — Access to Justice Fund, 510-815 West Hastings St., Vancouver, B.C., V6C 1B4. West Coat LEAF is also accepting donations for the fund. — JEAN SORENSEN jean_sorensen@telus.net MOVES AND SHAKES IS ONLINE If you or anyone in your firm has made a move, won recent acco- lades, or done anything else noteworthy that should be shared with your colleagues across the country, let us know. E-mail your moves and shakes to moves@clbmedia.ca. We'll be updating the web site daily, so keep your eyes on www.canadianlawyermag.com to see what your friends and colleagues are up to. CONGRATULATIONS, JANET The Order of Ontario is the province's highest official honour and recognizes outstanding contribution to society. Janet's admission into the Order recognizes her ongoing advocacy for the advancement of women and minorities in the field of law, her leadership in promoting fair and equal treatment of all Ontarians in their dealings with the justice system and her tireless efforts on behalf of community organizations. She is highly regarded for her willingness to share her talent and expertise and has provided counsel to many community boards as both lawyer and volunteer. From 1991 to 2008, Janet was Managing Partner at Lerners. During this period the firm grew both in numbers and reputation, consolidating its position as London's leading law firm and carving out a position as a Toronto litigation boutique. Jane Ja et E. Stewar Partner, Lerners LLP Janet E. St L tewar t LLP 2010 recipient of the Order of Ontario rt ~ Congratulations, Janet, and thank you for the contribution you make to our society, our people and our practice. Janet can be reached at: jstewart@lerners.ca London: 519 672 4510 Untitled-1 1 Toronto: 416 867 3076 www.lerners.ca www. C ANAD i AN law ye rmag.com APRIL 2010 11 3/18/10 9:35:05 AM