Applications are open until January 1, 2027, for 5 to 10 articling positions offering hands-on legal experience, mentorship and the opportunity to build a sustainable legal practice while advancing access to justice across British Columbia.

The Everyone Legal Clinic (ELC) is accepting applications for its 2027–28 articling cohort, with positions beginning in September 2027. ELC offers an innovative alternative to conventional articling, combining practical legal training with the opportunity to begin building a legal practice while providing pro bono and low-cost legal services to people and communities across BC.

Launched in May 2022 as part of the Law Society of BC’s Innovation Sandbox, ELC is a public interest law incubator operated by Access Pro Bono Society of BC. Its model prepares new lawyers to develop sustainable, technology-enabled legal practices, particularly as sole and small-firm practitioners serving underserved communities.

An articling experience with a difference

ELC articling clinicians work with real clients and develop practical skills across a broad range of everyday legal areas. Under the supervision of experienced lawyers, clinicians build their legal knowledge alongside the business, technology, client-development and relationship skills needed to establish and maintain a successful practice.

The articling year is divided into two semesters. Following orientation and the Law Society’s bar training course (CPLED), clinicians establish a home office in their chosen BC community and begin serving pro bono and some fee-paying clients under the remote guidance of ELC’s supervising lawyers. Local and regional lawyer mentors provide additional support and coaching.

During the longer service semester, clinicians launch their own fee-charging practices while continuing to provide pro bono and low-cost services, including to clients referred by Access Pro Bono and other legal service organizations.

By the end of their articles, clinicians will have gained substantial practical experience, developed professional relationships and begun establishing a client base. Upon their call to the BC bar, they may bring their work product and ELC-sourced clients into private practice.

Compensation, training and support

ELC articling positions provide baseline annual income of $55,000 to $65,000, depending on ELC funding levels, with the opportunity to earn a salary bonus by exceeding a reasonable billing threshold.

Clinicians also receive:

• Comprehensive training and expert supervision from a diverse panel of practising lawyers.

• Mentorship and coaching from local and regional lawyers.

• Constructive feedback on their legal work.

• Free marketing of their legal services in their home communities.

• Referrals of pro bono and fee-paying clients.

• Free use of Clio, Westlaw, Acrobat and other legal technology applications.

• Free membership in the BC Branch of the Canadian Bar Association.

• Support from Courthouse Libraries and sponsor law firms across BC.

• Membership in a virtual community of like-minded, technology-forward colleagues.

There is no tuition or admission fee, and ELC covers clinicians’ bar training course fees. Clinicians may also earn additional income through outside employment, provided it does not interfere with their professional development.

Supported by the Mowafaghian Foundation

ELC gratefully acknowledges the generous support of the Mowafaghian Foundation, whose recent $300,000 funding contribution will enable the Clinic to deliver its seventh articling cohort from September 2027 to August 2028.

This investment supports ELC’s dual mission: preparing the next generation of legal professionals to build sustainable practices while expanding access to affordable legal services for people who might otherwise struggle to obtain the legal assistance they need.

Who should apply?

ELC is particularly well suited to entrepreneurial, community-minded and technologically curious law graduates who want substantial hands-on experience and the opportunity to shape their own legal careers.

ELC prioritizes applicants who are committed to articling and subsequently practising in underserved BC communities, have demonstrated a commitment to providing legal services to disadvantaged people, and represent one or more equity-seeking groups.

ELC particularly encourages applications from candidates intending to practise in underserved communities, including Bella Coola, Campbell River and the North Island, Courtenay/Comox, Cranbrook/Kimberley, Fort Nelson/Fort St. John, Haida Gwaii, Prince George, Prince Rupert, Terrace/Smithers and other communities identified in the Clinic’s application materials.

ELC encourages applications from members of communities that face discrimination and disadvantage. To help ensure that its articling cohorts reflect the diversity of BC, ELC may give preference to applicants who self-identify as Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+ people, and people of colour or racialized people. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify if they feel comfortable doing so.

How to apply

Applications for the 2027–28 cohort are open from October 13, 2026, to January 1, 2027.

Applicants must submit:

• A résumé.

• Three professional references.

• A copy of their law school transcripts.

• A short video, up to two minutes long, explaining why the ELC experience is right for them.

Applicants must have successfully completed an accredited law degree by the start of their bar training course or received a certificate of qualification from the National Committee on Accreditation.

Apply online or visit everyonelegal.ca and follow the application link in the website footer. ELC expects to extend offers to 5 to 10 applicants during the first three months of 2027.

For more information, contact intake@everyonelegal.ca.

Build your legal career on your own terms—and help advance equitable access to justice in British Columbia.