Seeking Legal Advice
Pro Bono Students Canada is unable to assist individuals seeking legal advice.
If you require assistance with specific legal problems, you can contact one of the following services:
Community Legal Services (CLS)
CLS provides free legal assistance to people who cannot afford a lawyer. CLS will assist individuals with matters involving: criminal law, provincial offences, landlord tenant disputes, small claims court, estate law (wills and powers of attorney), academic appeals, public legal education, and notarizing documents, affidavits, and statutory declarations. The clinic is staffed by Western law students working under the supervision of Review Counsel. You can contact CLS at (519) 661-3352.
Neighbourhood Legal Services (NLS)
NLS provides legal services to low-income residents of London and Middlesex County. NLS will assist individuals with matters regarding: employment insurance, Ontario Works, benefits, Canada Pension Plan, pensions and landlord and tenant issues (evictions only). You can contact NLS at (519) 438-2890.
If you financially qualify for Legal Aid assistance, you will be provided with a certificate, which will permit you to retain a lawyer. Depending on your specific financial circumstances, the certificate may fund all or part of your legal fees. You can contact Legal Aid Ontario at (519) 433-8179.
The Law Society of Ontario (LSO) is the professional body that governs lawyers and paralegals in Ontario. The Law Society Referral Service connects lawyers and paralegals with people looking for assistance with legal matters. This service can be accessed by telephone (1-855-947-5255) or by filling out an online request form. The on-line request, the referral process, and your initial consultation of up to 30 minutes are free. The consultation is meant to help you determine your rights and options. You should not expect the legal representative to do any free legal work during this time - that is not the purpose of the consultation. You may ask the legal representative during the consultation what it may cost to have your legal work done.
For more legal resources please visit Community Legal Education Ontario or Steps to Justice.
