If your client requires immediate legal assistance and was denied legal aid, there are some other options that might be available to them. You can help them call Legal Aid Ontario at 1-800-668-8258 to get more information about these options or ask about what other options might be available to them.
If Your Client’s Income Is Too High
- Contribution Agreements: If your client needs help paying for a lawyer, legal aid might suggest a contribution agreement. This means legal aid will give them some money for a lawyer and ask them to pay it back over the course of a negotiated time (i.e., monthly payments).
- Step 1: Help your client call Legal Aid Ontario at 1-800-668-8258 or 416-979-1446 to ask about this option.
- Property Lien: This is an option for someone who owns property. If your client owns property, Legal Aid Ontario can put a lien on in. This means that when your client sells that property, Legal Aid Ontario will take some of the money from that sale to cover what your client owes them.
- Step 1: Help your client call Legal Aid Ontario at 1-800-668-8258 or 416-979-1446 to ask about this option.
- JusticeNet: JusticeNet is an option if your client makes more money than the Legal Aid threshold amounts but less than $59,000/year. Using this platform, your client can get legal services at a reduced cost, which is calculated based on their family income and number of family members. JusticeNet is accessible only to those who pay the registration fee ($25 plus HST in 2021).
- Step 1: Help your client navigate the website and register online. Once they register, they’ll be able to see a directory of legal professionals who provide services through JusticeNet.
- Step 2: Help your client contact their chosen legal professional and remind them to say that they were referred by JusticeNet to get the reduced rate.
If Your Client Needs Free Legal Advice/Information
- Pro Bono Ontario’s Hotline: This hotline offers free legal advice to people experiencing civil legal issues (e.g., housing, income, employment, debts, etc.) for up to 30 minutes. This service is available Monday to Friday, 9:30-11:30AM & 1:00-3:30PM.
- Step 1: Help your client call 1-855-255-7256
- Ontario Legal Information Centre’s Hotline: This hotline offers a free 30-minute meeting with a lawyer for legal advice on a wide range of legal issues (e.g., employment, family, immigration, housing, etc.). They also allow unlimited visits. This is available Monday to Friday, with varying hours.
- Step 1: Help your client call 1-844-343-7462 or 613-842-7462
- Law Society Referral Service: This service will connect your client with a lawyer or paralegal who will provide a free initial consultation for up to 30 minutes. This service is available Monday to Friday, 9 AM-5 PM.
- Step 1: Help your client submit their request online
- Step 2: If your client is unable to use a computer (e.g., in custody, shelter, remote community, etc.), help them call 1-855-947-5255
- Legal Aid Ontario Hotline: This hotline will connect your client with free legal advice for up to 20 minutes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the eligibility requirements for this have been waived for unrepresented people in custody with an upcoming court date.
- Step 1: If your client is taken into a custody, a lawyer should be called for them when they are at the police department.
- Step 2: If your client is out of custody and doesn’t have a lawyer, help them call 1-800-668-8258.
