Community Legal Services
If you want to find out about how you can get legal status, find out what your rights are, or try to prevent a deportation, you need a lawyer as soon as possible. It is best to get legal services through a community legal clinic or a well-checked referral - there is a risk of abuse by some people offering independent legal services.
Legal Aid Ontario provides legal services to people with low-incomes through two ways:
- the community legal clinic system
2. the legal aid certificate program
Legal Aid Ontario
Office phone: (416) 979-1446
Toll-free phone: 1-800-668-8258
Fax: (416) 979-2948 Administration
E-mail: info@lao.on.ca
Website: www.legalaid.on.ca
Address: Provincial Office, 375 University Ave, Ste 404, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2G1
Location: Toronto Central (University Ave-Dundas St W)
Area served: Ontario
Language of service: English, French * sign interpreters arranged through Canadian Hearing Society and paid by Legal Aid Ontario
Eligibility: Persons with low incomes * see below for specific services
How to apply: Call for information * certificate application -- no appointment needed, but bring all documents related to case and to personal finances * proof of social assistance required
Physical access: Wheelchair accessible building including main entrance and barrier free washrooms * parking close to entrance
Service description: Free legal information and advice * arranges for payment of lawyers through Legal Aid Certificates in cases requiring legal representation * out of court settlement conferences for some civil cases
Legal Aid Certificates -- reimburses participating lawyers for services rendered on behalf of client * financial assessment required * only granted for some types of legal problems, usually criminal, immigration or family law matters * client may have to agree to repay all or part of legal fees * seniors who collect Guaranteed Income Supplement (and do not own property) may have lawyer reimbursed for will preparation
Advice Lawyer -- people who qualify for legal aid financially but whose particular cases are not eligible for a certificate are able to receive some assistance and advice, particularly in family law matters or where a person needs help to file documents
Community Legal Clinics -- provincial office funds and sets policy for 29 independent, specialty and student legal clinics in Toronto (indexed under LEGAL SERVICES and its subheadings) * for services beyond information and advice, clients usually required to meet financial or case eligibility guidelines and not be eligible for Legal Aid Certificate * formal representation only available in particular areas such as tenant issues, immigration, pensions, social assistance, Employment Insurance (EI), workers compensation, poverty law * client may be asked to contribute towards disbursements.
Community Legal Clinics
Connects people to lawyers or legal workers in community centres. Get support for your case including help filling out any applications, answers to questions about immigration status, landlord and tenant issues and other law issues
Centre for Spanish Speaking Peoples
Community Legal Clinic
Legal clinic: (416) 533-0680
Office phone: (416) 533-8545
Fax: (416) 533-5731
E-mail: cssp@spanishservices.org
Website: www.spanishservices.org
Address: 2141 Jane St, 2nd Fl, Toronto, Ontario, M3M 1A2
Location: North York West (Jane St-Wilson Ave)
Hours: Intake -- Mon, Wed 1-3; Tue, Thu 9-12 noon
Area served: Greater Toronto Area
Language of service: Spanish and English
Eligibility: Spanish-speaking persons * must meet financial eligibility requirements for representation
How to apply: Drop in, call legal clinic line or fax
Fees: Free
Physical access: Wheelchair accessible main entrance and barrier free washrooms
Service description: Deals primarily with employment rights, human rights, immigration, social assistance, refugees, tenant issues, Employment Insurance (EI) * community education * also specialized legal advice clinics in family law * law reform * funded by Legal Aid Ontario
Parkdale Community Legal Services
Office phone: (416) 531-2411
Fax: (416) 531-0885
E-mail: mailbox@parkdalelegal.org
Website: www.parkdalelegal.org
Address: 1266 Queen St W, Toronto, Ontario, M6K 1L3
Location: Toronto West (Dufferin St-Queen St W)
Contacts: Amuna Baraka-Clarke, Office Manager, (416) 531-2411 ext 241 Alison Cumbaa, Administrative Assistant, (416) 531-2411 ext 224
Area served: Bloor St W (south side)-Lake Ontario; Ossington Ave (west side, north of Queen St W to Bloor St W)/Strachan Ave (west side, south of Queen St W)-Humber River
Hours: Intake -- Mon 2-6; Tue, Thu 2-7; Fri 10-1, 2-5 * office -- Mon 9-1, 2-6; Wed 2-5; Tue, Thu 9-1, 2-7; Fri 9-1, 2-5
Language of service: English, Spanish, Polish, Tamil, Portuguese, Vietnamese (we hire interpreters in many other languages, including for hearing impaired in addition to our regular weekly "mini-clinics" in the languages mentioned above
Eligibility: Residents in area who meet financial eligibility guidelines
Fees: Free
How to apply: Apply in person during intake hours
Physical access: Wheelchair accessible building including front entrance and barrier free washroom * designated parking by front door
Service description: Community legal clinic * deals primarily with tenant issues, mental health, immigration, violence against women and children, refugee claims, social assistance, disability pensions, workers rights, Employment Insurance (EI), human rights, police complaints * may provide representation -- not all eligible cases taken due to emphasis on law reform and community development and education * may assist assaulted women with court accompaniment, peace bonds, restraining orders, injury compensation claims, and representation in cases where alleged assailant countercharges * referrals * funded by Legal Aid Ontario
Community and Legal Aid Services Programme (CLASP)
Office phone: (416) 736-5029
Fax: (416) 736-5564
Website: www.legalaid.on.ca
Address: Osgoode Hall Law School, York University, 4700 Keele St, Rm 118, Downsview, Ontario, M3J 1P3
Location: North York West (Keele St-Steeles Ave W)
Area served: Ontario
Hours: Mon-Tue 9:30-7, Wed-Thu 9:30-4:30, Fri 9:30-3:30 * reduced hours during April, May and December student exams
Language of service: English * other languages may be available * interpretation arranged in some cases
Eligibility: Priority given to survivors of domestic violence, persons with mental health issues, youth and residents of Jane-Finch* must meet financial eligibility guidelines and not be eligible for Legal Aid Certificate
How to apply: Call for appointment
Physical access: Wheelchair accessible building including main entrance and barrier free washrooms * braille elevator * designated parking
Service description: Advice and practical assistance * court preparation and accompaniment * representation in cases where alleged assailant countercharges * assistance with claims to Criminal Injuries Compensation Board
South Asian Legal Clinic of Ontario (SALCO)
Office phone 416-487-6371
Fax 416-487-6456
Email mraza@salc.net
Web site www.salc.net
Address 1992 Yonge St, Ste 205, Toronto, ON, M4S 1Z7
Location (Intersection) Toronto North (Yonge St-Millwood Rd)
Contacts Mehreen Raza, Project Manager, 416-542-9146 ext 2302 Anita Balakrishna, Staff Lawyer, 416-542-9146 ext 2303
Hours Mon-Fri 9-5
Area served Greater Toronto Area
Languages of service English ; Hindi ; Punjabi ; Tamil ; Urdu
Eligibility Low income South Asians including refugee claimants
How to apply Call for appointment
Fees None
Physical access Wheelchair accessible building including main entrance * tone elevator
Service description Legal information and education * referral of legal cases * advocacy * funded by Law Foundation of Ontario
Downtown Legal Services
Office phone: (416) 934-4535 Administration ; (416) 978-6447 Intake
Fax: (416) 934-4536
E-mail: law.dls@utoronto.ca
Website: www.dls.utoronto.ca
Contacts: Linn Kennedy, Administrator
Address: 655 Spadina Ave, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 2H9
Location: Toronto Central (Spadina Ave-Bloor St W)
Area served: Greater Toronto Area
Hours: Hours vary, call for details * reduced hours during exams and university holidays
Language of service: English * interpretation available for most languages
Eligibility: Area residents who meet financial eligibility guidelines and are not eligible for Legal Aid Certificate * all full time University of Toronto students
Fees: None (clients may have to pay some costs such as medical reports)
How to apply: Initial screening over telephone * advice given in person and by appointment only
Physical access: Wheelchair accessible building including ground floor entrance and barrier free washrooms
Service description: Legal advice and representation provided by supervised law students volunteers * deals with many areas of law, including tenant issues, employment rights, minor criminal offences, refugee law, child custody and support, education appeals(special needs, suspensions and expulsions), university appeals, Criminal Injuries Compensation Board * referrals * public legal education workshops * Faculty of Law, University of Toronto community legal clinic
East Toronto Community Legal Services
Office phone: (416) 461-8102
Fax: (416) 461-7497
Address: 1320 Gerrard St E, Toronto, Ontario, M4L 3X1
Location: Toronto East (Greenwood Ave-Gerrard St E)
Area served: Danforth Ave-Lake Ontario; Victoria Park Ave-Don River
Hours: Mon-Tue, Thu-Fri 9-5; Wed 9-12:30
Language of service: Chinese (Cantonese, Mandarin), English, French
Eligibility: Residents in area who meet financial eligibility guidelines
How to apply: Call for advice or appointment
Fees: Free
Physical access: Wheelchair accessible building including main entrance and barrier free washrooms
Service description: Community legal clinic * deals primarily with tenant issues, immigration, social assistance, Canada Pension Plan, Employment Insurance (EI), human rights, employment rights, Criminal Injuries Compensation Board claims * community education * speakers * law reform * referrals and summary advice on family and criminal law matters * funded by Legal Aid Ontario
Flemingdon Community Legal Services
Office phone: (416) 441-1764 Administration ;(416) 441-0969 Intake
TTY phone: (416) 441-9156
Fax: (416) 441-0269
E-mail: FLEM@lao.on.ca
Website: www.flemingdonlegal.com
Address: 49 The Donway W, Ste 205, Don Mills, Ontario, M3C 3M9
Contacts: Freda Krol, Office Manager
Location: North York East (Don Mills Rd-Lawrence Ave E)
Area served: York Mills Rd-Danforth Ave; Victoria Park Ave-Yonge St * persons who are deaf -- City of Toronto
Hours: Mon-Wed, Fri 9-12:30; Mon-Fri 1:30-5 * walk-ins Mon-Fri 1:30-4:30 * phone intake Mon-Fri 9-12:30 * documents, affidavits Thu 1:30-4:30
Language of service: American Sign Language, English * interpreters/translators may be arranged for qualified clients
Eligibility: Residents in area who meet financial eligibility guidelines * eligibility assessed before appointment made
Fees: Free
Physical access: Wheelchair accessible building including main entrance and barrier free washrooms
Service description: Community legal clinic * deals primarily with tenant issues, immigration, social assistance, pensions, Employment Insurance (EI), Legal Aid appeals * some affidavits -- call for details * also provides legal services for persons who are deaf * may provide representation * community education * funded by Legal Aid Ontario
Jane/Finch Community Legal Services
Office phone: (416) 398-0677
Fax: (416) 398-7172
Address: 1315 Finch Ave W, Ste 409, Downsview, Ontario, M3J 2G6
Location: North York West (Keele St-Finch Ave W)
Area served: N-Steeles Ave ; S-Falstaff Ave 400 to 401; E-Keele; W-Humber River
Hours: Mon, Wed 9-7; Tue, Thu 1-5; Fri 9-5
Language of service: English, Spanish * other languages can be arranged
Eligibility: Residents in area who meet financial eligibility guidelines
How to apply: Call, or drop in to fill out intake form
Fees: Free
Physical access: Wheelchair accessible building including main entrance and barrier free washrooms * designated and street parking close to entrance
Service description: Community legal clinic * deals primarily with social assistance, Canada Pension Plan, tenant issues, immigration, Employment Insurance (EI), refugee claims, Criminal Injuries Compensation Board, Legal Aid appeals * may provide representation * assistance with community group organizing * law reform * community education
Kensington-Bellwoods Community Legal Services
Office phone: (416) 924-4244
Fax: (416) 924-5904
Address: 489 College St, Ste 205, Toronto, Ontario, M6G 1A5
Location: Toronto West (Bathurst St-College St)
Area served: South side of Bloor, west side of Yonge, east side of Ossington/Strachan Ave
Hours: Mon-Wed 9-12 noon, 1-5; Thu 9-1; Fri 9-12 noon, 1-4
Language of service: English, Portuguese, French
Eligibility: Residents in area who meet financial eligibility guidelines
How to apply: Call for appointment
Fees: Free
Physical access: Wheelchair accessible building including main entrance and barrier free washrooms
Service description: Community legal clinic * deals primarily with tenant issues, social assistance, Employment Insurance (EI), pensions, immigration, employment rights, human rights * may provide representation * summary advice in domestic violence cases * advice and representation for refugee claimants * community education * law reform * referrals
Rexdale Community Legal Clinic
Office phone: (416) 741-5201
Fax: (416) 741-6540
Website: www.rexdalecommunitylegalclinic.ca
Address: Woodbine Centre, 500 Rexdale Blvd, Etobicoke, Ontario, M9W 6K5
Location: Etobicoke North (Hwy 27-Rexdale Blvd)
Area served: Steeles Ave W-Eglinton Ave W; Humber River-Indian Line
Hours: Mon-Tue, Fri 9-12:30, 1-4:30; Wed 1-4:30; Thu 9-12:30, 1-6
Language of service: English, French, Italian, Spanish
Eligibility: Area residents regardless of income
Physical access: Wheelchair accessible building including main entrance and barrier free washrooms * designated parking
Service description: Community legal clinic * summary advice and legal information * deals primarily with tenant issues, social assistance, Employment Insurance (EI), workers compensation, pensions * immigration and refugee claims advice * must meet financial and case eligibility guidelines for representation * referrals * community education * free
Scarborough Community Legal Services
Office phone: (416) 438-7182
Fax: (416) 438-9869
Address: Cedar Heights Plaza, 695 Markham Rd, Ste 9, Scarborough, Ontario, M1H 2A5
Location: Scarborough South (Markham Rd-Lawrence Ave E)
Area served: Scarborough east of Midland Ave
Hours: Mon-Fri 9:30-5 * intake and preliminary advice Mon-Fri 9:30-12 noon
Language of service: Amharic, English, French, Ghanian
Eligibility: Area residents who meet financial eligibility guidelines
How to apply: Call for preliminary advice * appointments arranged as required
Fees: Free
Physical access: North end of building is wheelchair accessible * braille elevator with lowered buttons * entrance close to parking
Service description: Community legal clinic * deals primarily with tenant issues, social assistance, pensions, Employment Insurance (EI), subsidized housing * may provide representation * summary advice in domestic violence cases * community education * referrals * assistance in community group development
South Etobicoke Community Legal Services
Office phone: (416) 252-7218
Fax: (416) 252-1474
E-mail: secls@southetobicokelegal.ca
Website: www.southetobicokelegal.ca
Contacts: Sharon Majik, Office Manager, Client Services
Address: Dundas Kipling Centre, 5353 Dundas St W, Ste 210, Toronto, Ontario, M9B 6H8
Location: Etobicoke Central (Kipling Ave-Dundas St W)
Area served: Etobicoke south of Eglinton Ave W
Hours: Mon-Fri 9-5
Language of service: English, French, Spanish
Eligibility: Residents in area who meet financial eligibility guidelines
Fees: Free
Physical access: Wheelchair accessible building including main entrance and barrier free washrooms * designated underground parking
Service description: Community legal clinic * deals primarily with tenant issues, immigration, social assistance, Employment Insurance (EI), human rights, poverty law * community education * speakers * law reform * referrals * assistance in community group development
West Scarborough Community Legal Services
Office phone: (416) 285-4460 ;(416) 285-4460 ext 221 Affidavits
Crisis phone: (416) 285-0502
Fax: (416) 285-1070
Website: www.westscarboroughlegal.ca
Address: 201-2425 Eglinton Avenue East Scarborough, Ontario, M1K 5G8
Location: Scarborough Central (Kennedy Rd-Eglinton Ave E)
Area served: Steeles Ave E (south side)-Lake Ontario; Midland Ave (west side)-Victoria Park Ave (east side)
Hours: Mon-Tue, Thu-Fri 9-12:30, 1-4:30; Wed 9-12:30 * affidavit intake Tue, Thu 2-4 * telephone legal advice Mon-Fri 9:30-12:30
Language of service: English, French, Hindi, Sinhala, Tamil, Urdu * interpreters available by appointment for other languages
Eligibility: Area residents who meet financial eligibility guidelines
Fees: Free
Physical access: Wheelchair accessible building including main entrance and barrier free washrooms * lowered elevator buttons * designated parking
Service description: Community legal clinic * deals primarily with tenant issues, Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) appeals, Canada Pension Plan, disability benefits, Employment Insurance (EI) * may provide representation * affidavits * community education * by appointment only
Willowdale Community Legal Services
Office phone: (416) 492-2437
Fax: (416) 492-6281
Address: 245 Fairview Mall Dr, Ste 106, Toronto, Ontario, M2J 4T1
Location: North York East (Don Mills Rd-Sheppard Ave E)
Area served: Steeles Ave E-York Mills Rd; Victoria Park Ave-Yonge St -- except corner east of Don Mills Rd and south of Hwy 401
Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri 9-12 noon, 1-5; Tue 1-7; Thu 1-5
Language of service: Chinese (Cantonese, Mandarin), English, Spanish * interpreters for other languages by appointment
Eligibility: Area residents who meet financial eligibility guidelines
Fees: Free
Physical access: Designated parking, ramp to main door
Service description: Community legal clinic * deals primarily with tenant issues, social assistance, immigration, Employment Insurance (EI), Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, employment problems, human rights, victims of violence, Criminal Injuries Compensation Board * may provide referral, advice and representation * community education
Faithful Companions of Jesus (FCJ) Refugee Centre
(Formerly known as Hamilton House)
Office phone: (416) 469-9754
Fax: (416) 469-2670
E-mail: fcjrefugeecentre@on.aibn.com
Website: www.fcjsisters.ca/refugeecentre
Address: 208 Oakwood Ave, Toronto, Ontario, M6E 2V4
Location: City of York (Oakwood Ave-St Clair Ave W)
Area served: Greater Toronto Area
Hours: Mon-Wed, Fri 9:30-5
Language of service: English, Spanish * access to interpreters for other languages
Eligibility: Refugee claimants and people without status * shelter -- refugee women and children
How to apply: Call for an appointment
Fees: Free
Physical access: Not wheelchair accessible
Service description: Shelter -- temporary housing for refugee women and children * legal advice * legal, mental health, housing and social service referrals * support and accompaniment
Legal community centre -- legal advice to refugees and service providers * legal representation in some cases * settlement services including orientation * education, counselling and referrals * support groups for women * interpretation and translation * English as a Second Language (ESL) classes * community economic development * Refugee Help in Refugee Hands (RHRH) -- training workshops for service providers on the legal information needs of refugee claimants and non-status people * publications
Justice for Children and Youth
Office phone: (416) 920-1633
Toll-free phone: 1-866-999-5329;1-866-999-JFCY
Fax: (416) 920-5855
E-mail: info@jfcy.org
Website: www.jfcy.org
Address: 415 Yonge St, Ste 1203, Toronto, Ontario, M5B 2E7
Location: Toronto Central (Yonge St-Gerrard St E)
Contacts: Mary Ann Paterson, Office Manager
Area served: Ontario
Hours: Mon-Fri 9-5
Language of service: English
Eligibility: Children and youth 17 years and under * their parents only for special education matters * must meet financial eligibility guidelines * clients must sign retainer
How to apply: By telephone only
Fees: Services -- free * clients may be required to pay court costs
Physical access: Wheelchair accessible building including main entrance and barrier free washrooms * braille elevator * street parking
Service description: Community legal clinic * legal representation in the areas of residential care, education, criminal matters, child welfare, human rights and constitutional law, financial assistance or support * legal information and assistance to youth, professionals and community groups * also to parents for education issues only * community development and outreach * advocacy * public resource centre * seminars * accepts collect calls * funded by Legal Aid Ontario
Street Youth Legal Services (SYLS) -- legal advice and outreach to street-involved youth at shelters and youth services
HIV and AIDS Legal Clinic Ontario
Office phone 416-340-7790
Toll-free phone 1-888-705-8889
Fax 416-340-7248
Email talklaw@halco.org
Web site www.halco.org
Address 65 Wellesley St E, Ste 400, Toronto, ON, M4Y 1G7
Location (Intersection) Toronto Central (Church St-Wellesley St E)
Contacts Catharine Allan, Community Legal Worker
Hours Mon-Fri 9-5
Area served Ontario
Languages of service English (Translation services can also be arranged)
Eligibility Persons affected by HIV or AIDS * specific case and financial eligibility criteria may apply
How to apply Call, drop in, e-mail or write
Fees None
Physical access Wheelchair accessible building including main entrance and barrier free washrooms * braille elevator with lowered buttons * limited meter parking, close to entrance
Service description Community legal clinic*free confidential legal advice*representation (specific case and financial eligibility criteria may apply)*public legal education*law reform*referrals to other services when agency cannot provide service directly
Legal Aid Certificates
You may be able to get a legal aid certificate to pay for a private lawyer’s services. To find out if you are eligible for a legal aid certificate, contact a Legal Aid Office in your area. The following legal aid offices provided their information for the guide:
North York Legal Aid Office
Office phone: (416) 730-1588
Fax: (416) 730-1625
Website: www.legalaid.on.ca
Contacts: Elizabeth Champlin, Area Director
Address: 45 Sheppard Ave E, Ste 106, North York, Ontario, M2N 5W9
Location: North York Central (Yonge St-Sheppard Ave E)
Area served: Ontario
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30-3:15
Language of service: English, French
Physical access: Wheelchair accessible building including main entrance and barrier free washrooms
Service description: Legal Aid Certificate application office * see main record for Legal Aid Ontario for details.
Scarborough Legal Aid Office
Office phone: (416) 750-7172
Fax: (416) 750-7184
Contacts: Jane Silver, Area Director
Website: www.legalaid.on.ca
Address: 1921 Eglinton Ave E, Unit 1A, Scarborough, Ontario, M1L 2L6
Location: Scarborough South (Warden Ave-Eglinton Ave E)
Area served: Ontario
Eligibility: Service for those who meet financial eligibility guidelines
Hours: Mon-Tue, Thu-Fri 8:30-3:30; Wed 8:30-11
Language of service: English, French
Physical access: Wheelchair accessible building including main entrance and barrier free washrooms
Service description: Legal Aid Certificate application office * see main record for Legal Aid Ontario for details