What resource are available for low-income individuals seeking legal representation?
There are several programs that offer subsidized or pro bono services. Below is a list of a few services available in both Alberta and British Columbia.
Alberta
Legal Aid Alberta – Legal Aid Alberta is a publicly funded, non-profit organization that provides affordable legal services to qualifying Albertans.
Calgary Legal Guidance - Calgary Legal Guidance offers free legal information and advice to individuals who are experiencing financial hardship and do not qualify for Legal Aid. They can help with a wide range of issues including, family law issues.
Community Legal Clinic, Red Deer & Central Alberta - The Community Legal Clinic, located in Red Deer, serves much of rural and remote parts of Alberta in a broad range of legal topics, including family law, supporting individuals who do not qualify for Legal Aid Alberta’s services but cannot otherwise afford a lawyer, or are met with barriers in accessing justice. Services may include provision of legal information, advice, and on a case-by-case basis, the limited-scope retainer services of a staff lawyer, and virtually all services can be provided through remote means.
Edmonton Community Legal Clinic - The Edmonton Community Legal Centre offers free legal information and advice to low to moderate income individuals within the Edmonton area who cannot afford a lawyer. Public legal education sessions are also available on a wide range of family law topics, such as: guardianship, parenting, access, child support, spousal or partner support, property division; or restraining and protection orders.
Student legal assistance
British Columbia
Legal Aid BC – Legal Aid BC is a publicly funded, non-profit organization that provides affordable legal services to qualifying British Columbians.
Access Pro Bono BC - Access Pro Bono is a small charitable organization of dedicated directors and staff who rely on the goodwill of thousands of volunteers to provide access to justice in every BC community.
Law Students’ Legal Advice Program – The Law Students’ Legal Advice Program is a non-profit run by law students at the Peter A. Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia. They provide free legal advice and representation to clients in the Lower Mainland who would otherwise be unable to afford legal assistance.
