On June 23, the Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch (CBABC), honoured Gregory J. Heywood with the 2018 Harry Rankin Q.C. Pro Bono Award. This annual award recognizes outstanding contributions by a member in the area of pro bono work.
A champion of pro bono culture, Greg serves as RG’s Pro Bono Chair and has been involved with Access Pro Bono since 2001. Over the past 17 years, Greg has represented a number of low-income individuals with employment issues; often securing significant judgements or settlements for clients who would otherwise have been unaware of their rights due to the fact that they could not afford legal representation. Greg is also a key fundraiser for Access Pro Bono’s annual event, Pro Bono Going Public. Year after year, Greg raises between $8,000 and $10,000, the most funds raised by an individual by significant margin.
In 2010, Greg joined North Shore Search and Rescue, as an advisor to the Board of Directors, and has been NSR’s pro-bono legal counsel since 2012. Over the past six years, Greg has provided leadership and guidance and has been praised by Michael Danks, NSR Team Leader as ‘a valued friend, advisor and mentor who is available 24 hours a day.’
Greg is a tireless advocate for pro bono legal services and continues to mentor and encourage young lawyers to give back to the community. Congratulations, Greg!