Legal Services

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

Logo features the initials "JES" in green on the left and a grey scale of justice with the text "Justice Education Society" in a circular arrangement around it on the right.

Ask JES

Justice Education Society (JES)

Free information and referrals to help you deal with your legal issues. Questions are answered by UBC law students on weekdays from 11 am to 2 pm. Questions outside these hours will receive a response the next business day. Ask JES is supported by a knowledge base of over 1,000 legally reviewed questions and answers.

Last reviewed June 2024
Logo features the text "COURTHOUSE" in brown capital letters on the top line and "LIBRARIES | BC" in blue capital letters on the bottom line. Above the text, there is an abstract design of an open book in blue and grey.

Library services

Courthouse Libraries BC

Provides legal information services to the public via a network of libraries in BC courthouses. You’re encouraged to call or email before visiting as they can provide many services this way and can save you time. The libraries provide access to staff expertise, print and digital legal collections, and public computers.

Last reviewed March 2024
Logo showing the name "Seniors First BC" in a modern lowercase font in a gradient of blue colors, each letter overlapping the next.

Elder Law Clinic

Seniors First BC

Offers pro bono (free) legal advice to eligible older adults (55+) living in BC on a wide range of legal matters.

Last reviewed March 2024
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Everyone Legal Clinic (lower-cost representation services)

Access Pro Bono

Connect with an articling clinician for a family, tenancy and strata, employment, wills and estates, civil, corporate, consumer, or criminal law issue. Schedule a free initial phone or video meeting with a clinician (up to 30 minutes). They work under the supervision of practising lawyers and provide legal services on a lower-cost, fixed-fee basis.

Last reviewed March 2024
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Access Pro Bono Roster Program

Access Pro Bono

Provides free legal representation services for particular case types to individuals with low and modest incomes. It includes a Barristers’ Program (limited and extended litigation services), Court of Appeal Program (civil and family), Family Law Program (limited scope), Refugee Program (for sponsors), and Wills and Estates Program (non-litigious).

Last reviewed March 2024
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Lawyer Referral Service

Access Pro Bono

This service helps you find a suitable lawyer. Anyone can call to get contact information of a lawyer who will meet for a free 15-minute appointment. You can retain the lawyer at a rate you both agree to, but there’s no obligation for either of you to continue after the free consultation.

Last reviewed March 2024
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Access Pro Bono Summary Advice Program

Access Pro Bono

Offers free legal advice to low- and modest-income individuals by phone or videoconference. Their volunteer lawyers provide up to a half hour of advice at each appointment, with the possibility of more appointments. Legal issues include family, immigration, criminal, and civil law (such as debt, employment, welfare, and housing matters).

Last reviewed March 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 March 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 March 2024