Applications for legal representation available to Ontario low-income residents involved in some types of court matters:

• including family, criminal, mental health, and immigration litigation
• if a qualified applicant is approved, Legal Aid may provide partial or complete payment of the legal services provided by a lawyer
• family violence clients may qualify for two hours of free legal advice through the Women's Shelters

Those inquiring about Duty Counsel can call Legal Aid Ontario, Central District Office:

• Duty Counsel services assist with criminal and family issues
• Duty Counsel are lawyers who give immediate legal assistance to low-income people appearing in court without a lawyer
• if client has a criminal or family law issue, client should speak to Duty Counsel before court appearance
• Duty Counsel can:
  • give advice about legal rights, obligations and the court process
  • provide assistance in the courtroom for bail hearings and sentencing
  • assist with diversion, guilty pleas, and adjournments

A blend of remote and in-person services are available. Call the Client Service Centre for more information.

• In-person service: Tue-Wed 8:30 am-4:30 pm, closed for lunch 12 noon-1 pm
• Telephone service: Mon-Fri 8 am-5 pm, interpreter services are available
• Online service: Mon-Sun 24 hours, go to the Legal Aid Ontario Client Portal

• Resident of area served
  
• financial assessment

• For Legal Aid
  • drop-in during opening hours
  • Call the Client Service Centre at 1-800-668-8258, Mon-Fri 8 am-5 pm
  • Call Bell Relay service at 1-800-855-0511
  • for new clients who are receiving OW/ODSP or have no income and do not own any property apply online at the Client Portal
• For Duty Counsel
  • Call office at 705-737-3400