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This information applies to British Columbia, Canada. Last reviewed for legal accuracy by People's Law School in February 2023.

Free and low-cost legal help

Access Pro Bono Access Pro Bono has free legal advice clinics across BC. Lawyers volunteer to provide free legal advice to those who can’t afford a lawyer and can’t get legal aid. Lower Mainland: 604-878-7400
Toll-free: 1-877-762-6664
accessprobono.ca
BC Human Rights Clinic Operated by the Community Legal Assistance Society, this clinic provides assistance and representation to those who need help dealing with a provincial human rights complaint. Lower Mainland: 604-622-1100
Toll-free: 1-855-685-6222
bchrc.net
Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS) CLAS provides legal advice and some representation to low-income British Columbians facing a range of problems, including eviction, human rights complaints, and work-related issues. Lower Mainland: 604-685-3425
Toll-free: 1-888-685-6222
clasbc.net
Family Justice Centres These centres are located throughout BC and provide free services (including mediation) to couples going through a separation or divorce. gov.bc.ca
Lawyer Referral Service This service, operated by Access Pro Bono, can help you connect with a lawyer for a free 15-minute consultation to see if you want to hire them. Lower Mainland: 604-687-3221
Toll-free: 1-800-663-1919
accessprobono.ca
Legal Aid BC This non-profit provides free legal advice and representation for certain types of legal problems if you meet financial eligibility guidelines.
Lower Mainland: 604-408-2172
Toll-free: 1-866-577-2525
legalaid.bc.ca
MOSAIC A non-profit that provides free programs and services to help new immigrants and refugees with their settlement in Canada. They provide legal advocacy in areas such as family law and immigration law.
Lower Mainland: 604-254-9626
mosaicbc.org
PovNet Their Find an Advocate tool can help you find a legal advocate in your area. Legal advocates provide free support, advocacy and information to low-income people experiencing legal problems. Advocates usually work out of community agencies. povnet.org

More information

BC Association of Community Response Networks (BCCRN) Provides information and help to anyone who is being abused or neglected, or is supporting someone who is. bccrns.ca
Clicklaw A website operated by Courthouse Libraries BC that provides legal information, education, and resources from across BC. clicklaw.bc.ca
Court Information Program for Immigrants This Justice Education Society program provides free legal information to new immigrants and refugees. Services are provided in English and several other languages. courtinformation.ca
Dial-A-Law From People's Law School, Dial-A-Law has brief legal information on over 190 topics. You can listen on the telephone or online. You can also read the information online. Toll-free: 1-800-565-5297
dialalaw.ca
Employment Standards Branch This BC government office provides free legal information to employees and employers about their rights and responsibilities under BC law. They answer questions and deal with complaints against employers. Toll-free: 1-833-236-3700
gov.bc.ca/employmentstandards
Families Change: Guide to Separation & Divorce This Justice Education Society website provides information on separation and divorce for children, teens, and parents. familieschange.ca
Family Law in BC This website from Legal Aid BC provides free information, publications, and self-help guides on a wide range of family law issues. family.legalaid.bc.ca
Legal Rights for Youth This Justice Education Society website describes the legal rights for youth living in BC. Toll-free: 1-855-875-8867
legalrightsforyouth.ca
Mediate BC Society Mediate BC can put you in touch with a mediator who can help people (including separating couples) work together to find a solution to legal problems. Lower Mainland: 1-604-684-1300
Toll-free: 1-877-656-1300
mediatebc.com
Nidus Personal Planning Resource Centre and Registry Nidus provides information to British Columbians about personal planning, including information on making a representation agreement or enduring power of attorney. nidus.ca
People's Law School People's Law School provides free education and information to help British Columbians effectively deal with the legal problems of daily life. Lower Mainland: 604-331-5400
peopleslawschool.ca
Public Guardian and Trustee The office of the Public Guardian and Trustee provides a range of services to those who do not have the legal capacity to protect their own interests. Lower Mainland: 604-660-4444
Toll-free: 1-800-663-7867
trustee.bc.ca
Residential Tenancy Branch The BC government department responsible for landlord-tenant matters. Their website has free dispute resolution guides, policy guidelines, and information sheets. Lower Mainland: 604-660-1020
Victoria: 250-387-1602
Toll-free: 1-800-665-8779
gov.bc.ca/landlordtenant
Seniors First BC A non-profit that provides information, advocacy, support, and referrals to older adults and those who care for them. Lower Mainland: 604-336-5653
Seniors Abuse and Information Line (toll-free): 1-866-437-1940
seniorsfirstbc.ca
Tenant Resource and Advisory Centre (TRAC) A non-profit that provides tenants with legal education and assistance. You can phone them if you have a problem with renting. Lower Mainland: 604-255-0546
Toll-free: 1-800-665-1185
tenants.bc.ca
VictimLink This is a toll-free, confidential, multilingual service for victims of crime. Available across BC, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and in 150 languages, it provides information and support to victims. Toll-free: 1-800-563-0808
victimlinkbc.ca


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