Barristers for a Better Bytown is a federally-incorporated charity that raises funds for and works with community partners to improve the quality of life in Ottawa’s neighbourhoods. Since 2016, we have supported many charitable causes that help at-risk youth, the homeless, vulnerable persons and others in need in our city.

The winner of the St. Joe’s Quality of Life Award in 2019, Barristers for a Better Bytown has donated over $130,000 to support local projects and capital works aimed at improving our communities.

Our directors and members are lawyers, who are members of the Law Society of Ontario, and members of the judiciary. We are committed to improving the lives and well-being of members of various communities in Ottawa.

To submit an idea for a project or initiative for consideration for funding, please contact any of our Directors or Executive.

It’s been 17 years since Ottawa criminal defence lawyer Joe Burke died at 51, but his passion for the rights of Indigenous and marginalized people is still being honoured

Hamed Al-Qahfah, a 13-year-old who loves basketball, walks most days to the Michele Heights Community Centre near his home to shoot hoops with friends

A group of Ottawa criminal defence lawyers who believe in the power of sports to improve peoples’ lives have started a charity they hope will result in them having fewer clients to defend