Pro Bono Law Alberta (PBLA) is pleased to announce that Nonye Opara has been appointed as incoming Executive Director, succeeding current Executive Director Kendall Moholitny.

Ms. Opara will officially begin her new role effective September 17, 2018. She joined PBLA in 2014 and has served in various capacities, including more recently as Director of Programs and Operations and Deputy Executive Director. Ms. Opara completed her LL.B. and Baccalaureate in Law in Nigeria, and practiced corporate, commercial and technology law for nearly two years post-call before moving to Calgary in 2011. She holds a Master of Laws from the University of Calgary and received her Certificate of Qualification from the Federation of Law Societies of Canada in 2014. Prior to joining PBLA, Ms. Opara was a dedicated volunteer at the Civil Claims Duty Counsel Project and the Queen’s Bench Court Assistance Program in Calgary.

“Nonye has been an extremely valued member of the Pro Bono Law Alberta team for over four years,” says Kevin Feth, QC, PBLA Board President. “On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff and volunteers of PBLA, I extend her my congratulations and best wishes for success in her new role.”

Outgoing Executive Director Ms. Moholitny began her time with PBLA in February 2013 as the Volunteer Lawyer Services Program Manager and has served as Executive Director since April 1, 2016. She was integral in the expansion of the Queen’s Bench Court Assistance Program to Edmonton, the development of legal clinics in Lloydminster and Fort McMurray, and in providing legal advice and information to victims of the 2013 Calgary flood and the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire, among many other important access to justice initiatives. PBLA’s Board of Directors and staff wish Ms. Moholitny the best as she transitions to her new position with the Law Society of Alberta.

PBLA remains committed to promoting pro bono activities for lawyers, with the goal of increased access to justice for all Albertans. To learn more about how you can become involved in pro bono, visit www.pbla.ca/volunteer.