Legal Services

Find organizations that provide legal help in BC. Most services are free or low cost.

The logo shows the scales of justice above an open book, with a wreath at either side. Under the book are the letters “LSLAP.” To the right are the words “LAW STUDENTS’” above the words “LEGAL ADVICE PROGRAM.” All these elements are white, and the rectangular background is a dark blue to darker blue gradient.

Law Students’ Legal Advice Program (LSLAP)

Law Students’ Legal Advice Program (LSLAP)
Free legal advice and representation on issues such as criminal summary offences, civil resolution, small claims, residential tenancy, WorkSafeBC, consumer protection, EI, CPP and Old-Age Pension, wills and estates, and immigration and refugee issues. They may draft certain types of legal documents such as demand letters, wills, and more.
Last reviewed July 2024
The logo consists of a shield with the words "Thompson Rivers University" on the right. The shield depicts two rivers running between two hills, with a semi-circle of sun behind the hills.

TRU Community Legal Clinic (TRU CLC)

Thompson Rivers University Faculty of Law
This student-staffed free legal clinic provides legal help and advice to eligible people. They represent clients in areas including residential tenancy, employment standards, small claims, human rights claims, and some criminal charges. They draft legal documents such as simple wills, demand letters, powers of attorney, and more.
Last reviewed July 2024
The logo features a stylized infinity symbol, with the female symbol joined to the infinity symbol on the bottom left, and the male symbol joined to the infinity symbol on the top right. The words "Catherine While Holman Wellness Centre" are to the right of the female symbol.

Summary legal advice

Catherine White Holman Wellness Centre
Provides low-barrier wellness services to trans and gender-diverse people. Volunteer lawyers offer summary advice about legal issues you may have — family law, human rights, employment, immigration, etc. (But they can’t take on your case and act for you as your lawyer.) They can also notarize documents, for example for a name or gender change.
Last reviewed July 2024
The logo consists of a shield with the text "University of Victoria" below it, and the text "Law" below that. The shield features three red birds at the top, a book with yellow pages in the centre, and alternating blue and white horizontal stripes at the bottom.

Shut-In and Hospital Legal Services

The Law Centre at the University of Victoria
Persons who are hospitalized or who can’t attend the Law Centre in person because of disability or illness may telephone the office for more information. A staff member may arrange to visit them. (The Law Centre staff won’t give legal advice over the telephone.)
Last reviewed July 2024
The logo features the lower-case word “taps” in a teal colour. Inside the “a” is a clenched fist. The words “TOGETHER AGAINST POVERTY SOCIETY” are on the right, in the same teal colour.

Poverty Law Clinic

Together Against Poverty Society (TAPS)
Provides rights-based information and advocacy services for income assistance, provincial disability benefits, and residential tenancy issues. The clinic also offers free, year-round income tax filling services.
Last reviewed July 2024
Logo with two swoops and a circle, to represent a person, and "Legal Aid BC."

Indigenous community legal workers

Legal Aid BC
Legal Aid BC staff who give legal information and limited legal advice, including about the legal process. They also attend court with you, help you prepare forms and letters, participate in negotiations, talk on your behalf (to MCFD staff, legal aid lawyers, duty counsel, or your band), and give referrals to other services.
Last reviewed July 2024
Logo with the text "Amici Curiae" in blue and "Friends of Court" in brown forming a circular border around a blue scale of justice in the centre.

Help with preparing for a virtual appearance

Amici Curiae (AC) Friends of Court
AC helps British Columbians prepare for their virtual appearance. Use the online form on their website to make an appointment. The coaching provided includes how to behave during the court session, what to do when emotionally challenged, and other helpful tips. Email legalformsbc@gmail.com.
Last reviewed July 2024
Logo with the text "Amici Curiae" in blue and "Friends of Court" in brown forming a circular border around a blue scale of justice in the centre.

Help with legal forms

Amici Curiae (AC) Friends of Court
Get help with completing legal forms and court forms in civil and family matters at the Provincial Court of BC, Supreme Court of BC, BC Court of Appeal, federal court, and tribunals. They help with forms for legal issues such as Indigenous rights, animal law, foreclosure, mental health, income assistance, parole, small claims, and immigration.
Last reviewed July 2024
Logo of Mediate BC with the wordmark in blue and a stylized green arc of dots above the letter "t" to represent the concept of mediation.

Virtual Pro Bono Clinic (ask a mediator)

Mediate BC
Make an appointment to talk to a professional civil or family mediator and ask questions about mediation generally or about a specific conflict, including housing, workplace, family conflicts or business related issues. Mediators can help you determine if mediation is appropriate and discuss timelines, cost, and how to discuss going to mediation...
Last reviewed July 2024
Logo of "TRAC" with the letter "A" shaped like a house.

Tenant Infoline

Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre (TRAC)
Information, referrals, and help for residential tenancy law matters (renting) in BC. They help with common problems such as tenancy agreement forms, repairs, eviction, quiet enjoyment, security deposits, fixed-term leases, rent increases, termination of services, and dispute resolution.
Last reviewed July 2024