For immediate release

February 9, 2005

TORONTO - The Law Society of Upper Canada recently called upon 

Ontario lawyers to support its plan to mobilize legal assistance 

to Ontario communities affected by the aftermath of the tsunami 

disaster in South and Southeast Asia.

"The legal community has responded swiftly and generously to 

support emergency relief for the people devastated by the 

tsunamis," says Law Society Treasurer Frank Marrocco, Q.C.  

"Given the magnitude of the disaster and its long term 

consequences, we need be actively engaged.  As an organization 

regulating more than 36,000 lawyers in this province, we have an 

opportunity to take on this leadership role."

The plan, approved during the January 27 meeting of Convocation, 

calls for the Law Society to concentrate its efforts on 

facilitating the provision of pro bono services by Ontario 

lawyers. "This is a broad, sustained approach which includes 

delivery of education programs for participating lawyers, 

information sessions and ongoing access to the relevant resources 

for Ontario communities, families and individuals affected by the 

tsunamis in Asia," explains Marrocco. 

To rally the necessary resources, the Law Society is working 

closely with partners and stakeholders such as Pro Bono Law 

Ontario, the South Asian Lawyers Association and the South Asian 

Legal Clinic of Ontario. The Law Society has also been in contact 

with community groups, partners, constituency offices and other 

local organizations to which people turn in times of need. 

"Through early discussion with these groups, we've been able to 

identify some of the legal assistance that Ontario victims and 

relatives of victims of the disaster will need," says Marrocco. 

While most of these needs are expected to pertain to immigration 

law, assistance may also touch on wills and estates and insurance 

law.   

"To address these needs, we need the cooperation and assistance 

of lawyers willing to donate their time, expertise and services," 

explains the Treasurer. "We need lawyers willing to take on pro 

bono work, participate in community information sessions and 

translate legal advice into the languages spoken in the coastal 

communities affected by the disaster."

To support lawyers volunteering their services to Ontario 

communities, the Law Society will be offering continuing legal 

education programs focusing on the relevant areas of law. In 

addition, the Law Society will be tracking emerging legal issues, 

informing lawyers and providing necessary resources and links. 

"Promoting access to justice in Ontario is one of the Law 

Society's fundamental roles. The enormity of the tsunami disaster 

means that we have to see ourselves as part of a broader global 

community and extend a hand," Marrocco adds.

Members of the legal profession and the public who would like to 

volunteer their services or seek more information, please 

contact:

(416) 947-3954

1-877-947-3954

tsunami@lsuc.on.ca

The Law Society of Upper Canada exists to govern the legal 

profession in the public interest by ensuring that the people of 

Ontario are served by lawyers who meet high standards of 

learning, competence and professional conduct; and upholding the 

independence, integrity and honour of the legal profession for 

the purpose of advancing the cause of justice and the rule of 

law. 

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Media contact:

Angela Christopoulos

Communications Advisor

Law Society of Upper Canada

(416) 947-3362

achristo@lsuc.on.ca