VIRTUAL LEGAL CLINIC
Rise provides support to clients across BC, with our Virtual Legal Clinic (VLC) providing specialized support to women and gender diverse people who live outside of the Lower Mainland, often in rural and remote communities.
The VLC uses an innovative model, partnering with community organizations across the province who provide wrap-around support for clients. We have over 70 community partner organizations from every region of BC, improving assistance for clients in smaller communities who often face additional barriers to accessing services.
Our community partner model
Our community partner model links clients and support workers in their respective communities. The model provides local support, access to safe spaces, and help implementing legal advice for clients seeking virtual services with Rise. It also provides support, mentorship, and learning opportunities for support workers in smaller communities. Support workers at community partners have access to unique and tailored training opportunities designed to help improve their knowledge of the family law system and their ability to support clients navigating it.
Our program is open to any and all frontline community workers who serve women and gender diverse people with legal matters in British Columbia. Partnerships are formalized with organizations with a signed agreement, but you don’t need to be a community partner to access trainings and resources from Rise!
If you are interested in becoming a community partner or you want to access more training opportunities and support, you can email our Manager of Community Engagement and Systemic Change, Stephanie Melnyk, at smelnyk@womenslegalcentre.ca
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