Get involved
Engaged Legal Professional
Your legal knowledge is a tool for justice, even without a bar membership.
Lawyer vs. legal professional: an important distinction
A lawyer (avocat) is a regulated professional admitted to the bar who can represent clients before courts and provide legal advice. A legal professional (juriste) is a person with legal training who has not been admitted to the bar or who practices in a non-regulated capacity.
This distinction is fundamental. A legal professional can contribute enormously to the Foundation's mission through research, education, awareness, and documentation - but must never present themselves as a lawyer if they do not hold that title.
What a legal professional can do
INFORM
Produce and share accessible information on rights and legal resources.
RESEARCH
Contribute to legal research and documentation of rights situations.
ANALYZE
Analyze legal texts, policies, and situations to identify issues and solutions.
EDUCATE
Organize or participate in educational activities on rights.
DOCUMENT
Document rights violations and situations requiring attention.
RAISE AWARENESS
Raise awareness in communities about rights and available resources.
PUBLISH
Contribute to the production of guides, reports, and educational materials.
CONTRIBUTE TO POLICY
Participate in reflection and advocacy on legal and institutional reforms.
In Canada and internationally
In Canada, legal professionals can contribute to the Foundation through research, content production, educational activities, and community awareness. They must always act within the limits of their competence and never provide legal advice reserved for lawyers.
Internationally, legal professionals can contribute to documentation, research, and capacity building in partner countries, in collaboration with local actors.
A legal professional must never present themselves as a lawyer if they do not hold that title. This rule protects the public and the integrity of the legal profession.