Level Fellows Masters and Laut Present on Pro Bono Policy at National Justice Workshop
Level’s Social Justice Fellowship Program is a national initiative by Level Justice that supports law students in designing and executing research, policy, or advocacy projects focused on advancing social justice. As part of the 2024-2025 fellowship cohort, Erin Masters and Valeriia Laut, recent graduates at the Peter A. Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia, developed a project on rethinking pro bono policy in British Columbia, with support from Level through training, mentorship, and guidance.
Erin Masters and Valeriia Laut presenting on their social justice project in February of 2025.
Erin and Valeriia recently presented their work at the Hybrid Workshop on Innovation in People-Centred Justice, held at UBC Robson Square on May 30–31, 2025. Featured as panelists in the session People-Centred Justice in Legal Education and Professional Development, they shared key findings from their research, contributing to a national conversation on legal education and access to justice.
Their report explores persistent barriers that limit meaningful participation in pro bono work among law students and lawyers, such as time constraints, lack of institutional support, and disorganized opportunities. Drawing on original survey data, stakeholder interviews, and policy analysis, they argue that moral commitment alone is not enough to sustain pro bono efforts. Instead, they call for a more provider-inclusive approach, one that removes structural disincentives, strengthens institutional infrastructure, and integrates pro bono work in the legal profession’s culture and curriculum.
Erin Masters and Valeriia Laut presenting on their social justice project in February of 2025.
The panel also included leaders in legal academia and access to justice, such as Jérémy Boulanger-Bonnelly, Robert Lapper, KC, and Dr. Michelle Lawrence. Together, the panelists explored how legal education can evolve to better prepare students to become agents of equity and innovation within the justice system.
The event was a national gathering of legal educators, practitioners, and students working to advance people-centred approaches to justice. Erin and Valeriia’s participation not only reflected their leadership within the Level Justice program, but also highlighted the role that student-led policy research can play in reshaping the legal landscape.
Journal of Law Student Scholarship 2023-2024. The fellows’ full report will be published in Level Justice’s Journal of Law Student Scholarship in August 2025.