Toronto, April 12, 2007: Ottawa lawyer, David W. Scott, Q.C. was elected Chair of Pro Bono Law Ontario at the organization's April 10, 2007 Annual General Meeting.

Scott, who is a partner in the Ottawa office of Borden Ladner Gervais and Co-Chair of the national firm, has served on PBLO's Board since the organization was launched in 2002. Scott is a long-time advocate of pro bono. At a keynote address given at last year's national pro bono conference, he noted that as a self-governing monopoly, the legal profession has a duty to enhance access to justice. In this leadership role, Scott looks forward to helping pave the road ahead. "In my opinion, the single most important issue facing those charged with responsibility for the administration of justice is access to the courts by ordinary citizens. That's what Pro Bono Law Ontario is all about. It's great to be part of such a wonderful organization," says Scott.

Executive Director, Lynn Burns, is pleased with the timing of Scott's leadership on the Board as PBLO begins innovative work on a court-based self-help centre, one of the first in Canada. "We were thrilled when he agreed to take on this role as Chair. David has always contributed a lot to the Board. As Chair he will help shepherd the organization through an ambitious pro bono initiative designed to increase access to the courts. His background and experience are invaluable to us."

Pro Bono Law Ontario is a registered charity that promotes access to justice in Ontario by creating and promoting opportunities for lawyers to provide pro bono legal services to persons of limited means. PBLO's programs include the Child Advocacy Project, Volunteer Lawyers Service for charitable organizations, and Litigation Assistance Projects for unrepresented litigants. PBLO develops innovative programming with law firms and law associations that help low-income and disadvantaged individuals as well as the communities and charitable organizations that serve these groups. Pro bono help compliments the legal assistance that Legal Aid provides in the province.

In addition to private practice, Scott has a long list of contributions in leadership roles within the legal community including Bencher of the Law Society of Upper Canada, past-President of the American College of Trial Lawyers, and past-President of the County of Carleton Law Association. Scott also contributes actively within his local community, acting as Director of numerous social and philanthropic organizations, including the United Way, John Howard Society, CARE Canada, Ottawa General Hospital, past-Chair of the Board of the Canadian Stroke Network, and currently as member of the Board of the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.