Legal Aid Certificates

In Ontario, legal aid is provided by an independent government agency called Legal Aid Ontario.

Ontario's legal aid certificate program provides eligible low income people with certificates for a set number of hours of service to be provided by a private lawyer.

Victims of domestic violence may qualify for a free two-hour appointment with a lawyer. You can also get emergency authorization from a local women's shelter or community legal clinic.

Community Legal Clinics

Community legal clinics provide summary advice, referral and representation on various legal issues. Student legal clinics in law schools in Toronto, Kingston, Ottawa and Windsor can also provide representation and assistance.

To find the nearest legal aid office, community legal clinic, or student legal clinic , call 1-800-668-8258 or visit Legal Aid Ontario's web site.

Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic

The clinic offers free counselling, legal and interpreter services for women who have experienced physical, sexual or psychological abuse. The clinic accepts collect calls.

To find out how the clinic can help, call 416-323-9149 or visit their web site.

Lawyer Referral Service

The Lawyer Referral Service can help you find a private lawyer in Ontario. A $6 charge is added to your phone bill when you call, unless you are in a crisis situation, such as domestic violence. The first half-hour with the lawyer is free.

For service in English or French , call 1-900-565-4577