Legal Aid Lawyer - List of Resources in Quebec (2023 Version)

Access to justice is everyone's business. Not just those who are better off.

When legal problems arise and funds are scarce, you need to know where to look for legal assistance. In other words, you need to know the best resources available.

That's why JuriGo is providing a list of the best legal aid lawyer resources in Quebec - 2023 Edition.

See who to turn to for a free lawyer or to find legal services at a moderate price.

Even better, fill out our form, and JuriGo will ensure a quick and free connection with a legal aid lawyer in your area.

Learn more about legal aid resources and contact us to make it happen. You have everything to gain!

Legal Aid in Quebec - What Exactly Is It?

In Quebec, legal aid is a public service whose objective is to provide free or low-cost lawyer services to individuals with low income.

To do this, these individuals have access to a vast network of lawyers who are part of the Legal Aid Network, overseen by the Quebec Legal Aid Commission.

There are over 100 legal aid offices throughout the province, which allow low-income individuals to be represented by a lawyer free of charge.

Of course, eligibility is a condition - and not everyone will be admitted...

There are two eligibility requirements for legal aid:

Eligibility for the required legal service

The first eligibility requirement concerns the legal service required by the applicant. Some cases, such as those involving defamation and parking violations, are not eligible for legal aid.

On the other hand, cases involving family law, criminal offenses, and youth law are almost all covered. It is important to ensure that the required service is included in the legal aid service offering.

Financial eligibility of the applicant

The second aspect of eligibility focuses on the financial situation of the applicant, specifically their annual income. Salary is therefore a factor taken into account, but it is also necessary to consider their family situation (spouse, number of dependent children, etc.).

Families with children have easier access to legal aid, both for the free and contributory aspects.

Are YOU eligible for government legal aid? Check your eligibility in just a few clicks with the help of JuriGo!

Who has access to legal aid resources?

The complete legal aid network in Quebec has 11 community centers, 104 offices, and 990 full-time employees. This vast organization aims to serve a diverse clientele with various needs, of which you are probably a part.

But WHO uses the services and resources of legal aid in Quebec? Here is the breakdown according to the latest statistics!

Legal aid resources are available to ALL profiles and needs!

As you can see, legal aid is used by a very diverse demographic! It is certainly not a matter of "gender" or a specific type of case. The common denominator among applicants is their tight financial situation and the urgent need to meet with a lawyer.

So, whatever your case may be, turn to the right legal aid resources. We present several of them below!

Legal Services Commission - its role in access to justice!

What is the Legal Services Commission?

This commission is the organization that encompasses the entire legal aid network in Quebec, including the many offices scattered throughout the province's major regions.

Therefore, it is the entity at the head of the organizational chart, and it is responsible for implementing the Act respecting legal aid and the provision of certain other legal services .

In addition, this same commission oversees the Homologation Assistance Service (SAH), as well as the Administrative Service for Adjusting Child Support Payments (SARPA).

When should you contact the Commission?

The Commission des services juridiques is an effective resource for information in order to be directed to the right professionals. That being said, to obtain the services of a lawyer, you will need to contact the Community Legal Aid Centre in your region in order to be directed directly to a lawyer.

Legal aid in its entirety is therefore overseen by the Commission, and in numbers, it is:

-11 legal community centers

-104 legal aid offices throughout Quebec

-86 permanent offices

-435 permanent lawyers for legal aid

The Legal Services Commission is the entity that manages the main legal aid resources!

For any information regarding your eligibility for legal aid, or to be referred directly to the right Legal Aid Office in your region, this commission is the starting point for your search. They are there to answer your questions!

What services are covered by legal aid?

As mentioned, not all legal services will be covered by the public legal aid system. Some services are even refused from the outset, without the possibility of appeal. And which category does yours fall into? That is the question.

Here is a summary table of the legal services covered and not covered by legal aid!

*Source: Legal Services Commission

Legal aid in FAMILY law

For legal aid in family matters , lawyers are available to handle cases of divorce, separation, child support, child custody, and even emancipation.

As family law is one of the most in-demand and "popular" areas in Quebec, many family law lawyers offer their services through legal aid. You just need to be financially eligible.

Legal aid in HOUSING law

Housing problems can arise in all social classes, regardless of the monthly rent amount.

That is why legal aid lawyers provide their services for cases involving lease termination, housing health and safety, and major renovations.

Legal aid in CRIMINAL law

When accused of a criminal offense, everyone has the right to a defense, regardless of their income. That is why legal aid also covers criminal and penal charges (with a few exceptions).

Money should not be an obstacle to a full and complete criminal defense, so turn to the right legal aid resources.

Legal aid in IMMIGRATION

Asylum applications, refugee status, permanent residence, etc... Immigration cases are generally handled without problems by legal aid lawyers.

Their services cover both "procedural" cases such as permanent residence applications for humanitarian reasons, as well as litigious cases such as threats of deportation and others.

Top 5 Legal Aid Resources in Quebec!

Public legal aid does not have an equivalent as such, since there is only one system. That being said, you are not devoid of interesting options!

Need more legal aid resources? Here are the Top 5 sources of access to justice available in Quebec!

1) Proximity Justice Centers

Proximity justice centers are the result of an initiative by the Ministry of Justice, with the aim of expanding access to essential legal information for citizens.

More than a dozen centers have been established so far in Quebec, which are available to citizens to answer their important legal questions. It is possible to access services such as:

• Separation information
• Small claims information
• Support and guidance
• Personalized legal information

Each of these services provides precise information to guide individuals towards the right path to resolve their case. They provide free consultations with competent lawyers, all without any commitment.

In the case of separation and small claims, this is a valuable service. It is a kind of "pre-mediation" service, both in the family sector and in small claims.

Attention! The Local Justice Centers offer guidance and information, but are not there to provide legal advice.

2) Juripop

Juripop is an organization whose objective is to widen access to justice for individuals and non-profit organizations who are not eligible for legal aid, but who are still in precarious situations.

This is an innovative solution that democratizes access to lawyer services for people from all backgrounds. The hourly rate for their lawyers is $65/hour for individuals, and $90/hour for non-profit organizations and self-employed workers. This is far from the astronomical fees of large law firms.

Juripop also offers various services that encompass:

• Personalized legal advice
• Representation in court
• Negotiation/mediation support service
• Writing of legal documents

Juripop even offers a free service to people who have been victims of psychological or sexual harassment in the workplace, or any other form of violence in the workplace.

3) Éducaloi

The Éducaloi organization aims to communicate, simplify, and make legal information more accessible in order to help citizens better understand their rights.

This institution is not looking to provide legal services to citizens, but rather to help them improve their legal knowledge so that they know how to navigate their legal process.

Éducaloi frequently publishes informative content on various current topics, and on important issues that affect the rights of Quebecers.

4) Legal Clinic of the Quebec Bar

The Legal Clinic of the Bar is an entity that also allows individuals to know their rights and obtain advice for free, without any obligation. How does this clinic work?

This is a service offered by Bar students, who conduct consultations with clients while being supervised by a lawyer throughout the process.

It is therefore a way for aspiring lawyers to practice their profession in a real situation, while allowing individuals in need to obtain legal representation free of charge.

5) Right to the City Clinic

The Right to the City Clinic has a specific mission, which is to help marginalized individuals by offering them adequate representation in criminal accusations situations.

These marginalized individuals are notably people experiencing homelessness, significant financial difficulties, or dependency.

The role of the lawyers at Clinique Droit de cité is to provide them with the necessary support for their legal concerns, whether it be challenging a ticket, representation in court, and more.

Legal aid lawyer: which professional to hire?

In Quebec, not all lawyers take legal aid mandates! So, how do you choose the right legal professional?

What you need to know is that some professionals exclusively practice legal aid.

Indeed, these are lawyers who devote their entire practice to legal aid and do not take on private mandates. They are therefore part of the full legal aid network and are available to represent you.

However, other lawyers practice in the private sector but occasionally accept legal aid mandates. The process is different, but the result is the same; you get a lawyer for free or at a reduced cost.

So, how do you choose the RIGHT legal aid lawyer to help you? Whether they work for legal aid permanently or occasionally, make sure your lawyer is a specialist in the area that concerns you.

Such legal expertise can make all the difference between the success and failure of your case!

Legal aid in Montreal

Legal aid is a highly sought-after service in the Montreal area. That is why the Montreal Community Legal Centre (CCJM) was founded in 1973, to meet the needs of such a clientele in need.

In fact, there are more than a dozen legal aid offices on the island of Montreal alone, making it a true reference for accessibility to justice.

Legal aid in Montreal is a network of several qualified stakeholders - Here is the proof in numbers!

And in terms of statistics, the legal aid office in Montreal has impressive figures in 2022:

Where are the legal aid offices located in the Metropolis?

The Montreal Community Legal Centre also covers Laval, and oversees offices located in Verdun, Mile-End, Montreal-North, and all over the island. If you live in the metropolis, there is a legal aid office just a few blocks away, it's almost guaranteed.

Legal Aid in Longueuil and the South Shore

Legal aid lawyers on the South Shore cover a wide range of legal areas!

Whether your case involves a criminal offense, an immigration case or any other eligible service, there is a legal professional ready to represent you at a modest price, or even for free. Provided you are eligible for legal aid, of course...

In Longueuil and on the South Shore, legal aid has 7 service points:

• Longueuil
• Châteauguay
• Granby
• Cowansville
• Saint-Hyacinthe
• Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu
• Salaberry-De-Valleyfield

Legal aid in Quebec City

Are you looking for the services of a legal aid lawyer in Quebec City?

Despite its smaller size than the metropolitan area, the Capital Region has an interesting offer of affordable legal resources.

The Community Legal Aid Centre of the Quebec City region also demonstrates great versatility and works in the following areas:

-Civil law

-Administrative law SAAQ/CNESST

-Criminal and penal law

-Family and housing law

-Bankruptcy

-And more!

The Quebec legal aid has offices in downtown, Lévis, Montmagny and even in Beauce! This covers a whole territory to expand access to justice.

Legal aid Laval

The Laval legal aid office falls under the jurisdiction of the Montreal/Laval Community Legal Centre.

Located near Carrefour-Laval, this legal aid office specializes in criminal law, youth law, prison law, and civil law.

There are more than fifteen qualified lawyers working from the legal aid office in Laval. This makes it an invaluable resource for obtaining free or low-cost legal services on the North Shore of Montreal.

Sherbrooke Legal Aid

Sherbrooke Legal Aid is governed by the Eastern Townships Community Legal Centre. The various offices in the Eastern Townships network practice in civil law, criminal law, youth law, and family law.

Sherbrooke and Eastern Townships Legal Aid includes 7 different offices, located in the following cities:

• Sherbrooke - Criminal and Youth Division
• Sherbrooke - Family and Civil Division
• Coaticook - Stanstead
• Val-des-Sources
• Thetford Mines
• Magog
• Lac-Mégantic

There are dozens of lawyers available in the Sherbrooke area for legal aid, both for free and contributory services.

Use JuriGo to Find a lawyer in Sherbrooke for your needs!

Legal Aid Gatineau

Gatineau is an important city in Quebec, and its proximity to Ottawa makes it a densely populated region where legal services are frequently required.

That's why the Outaouais Community Legal Centre has no shortage of clients for its legal aid lawyers! This branch of legal aid has offices in Hull, Aylmer, Maniwaki, Buckingham, Campbell Bay and Gatineau.

And in the Gatineau and Outaouais region, these lawyers can intervene in all major areas of law, from health to housing, or in the criminal and penal sector.

Once again, legal aid is the best way to find a free or low-cost lawyer in the Outaouais region.

Free Legal Aid Lawyer - 2023 Eligibility Criteria

You have often heard that you must be "eligible" for legal aid, but what does that mean in concrete terms?

From what salary are you too wealthy to use legal aid, and from what point will you be required to make a contribution?

These are excellent questions that JuriGo.ca demystifies in the following lines!

Eligibility criteria for legal aid in Quebec in 2023 - FREE component

Certain individuals are automatically eligible for legal aid:

This is notably the case for social assistance recipients. Furthermore, eligibility for legal aid also takes into account other factors, such as:

-The value of certain assets.

-Savings and investments.

-Annual household income.

-Family context (children, spouses, etc.).

Example for the CONTRIBUTORY component for a family of spouses with 2 children.

ATTENTION, the contribution amount varies depending on income and family situation as well. The higher the family income and the fewer dependents, the greater the required contribution. In many cases, this will still be more affordable than paying for a private mandate.

How do you know if you are eligible for government legal aid?

The above-mentioned scales give you a good idea, but officially, the verification of your eligibility for legal aid must be determined in person and in the presence of a competent professional. Only such a lawyer can really give you the truth.

Contact JuriGo to discuss your eligibility for legal aid with a lawyer for free and with no obligation!

Legal Community Centre - The Legal Aid Resource!

Legal aid community centers are part of the network overseen by the Commission des services juridiques. Each of these community centers has multiple offices in its designated region, and all of these entities constitute legal aid offered to eligible citizens.

There are 11 legal aid community centers, one in each of these regions:

• Abitibi-Témiscamingue
• Bas Saint-Laurent Gaspésie
• Côte-Nord
• Estrie
• Lanaudière-Laurentides
• Mauricie-Bois-Franc
• Outaouais
• Montréal
• Québec
• Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean
• Rive-Sud

Legal Community Center in Montreal - the right place to consult a lawyer in downtown! Its multiple legal aid offices are always ready to welcome clients in need, verify their eligibility and guide them through their process.

Legal Aid Office: where to find the one in your region?

Are you looking for the legal aid office closest to you? If you are unable to locate it, know that the Legal Community Center in your region is THE resource to prioritize for finding answers. It is the central point of legal aid services in Quebec!

Here is a DETAILED table of the legal aid office network in Quebec!

The map of Quebec is divided into 11 regions for legal aid purposes, which are administered by a designated Legal Community Centre. This same centre can guide you to the nearest legal aid office to get you closer to the lawyer you need.

JuriGo can also connect you with your legal aid lawyer - just fill out a quick form in 2 minutes and you're done!

Frequently Asked Questions about Legal Aid!

Legal aid is a source of many questions, as eligibility criteria are numerous, both in terms of the case and financial situation. It is normal for the FAQ to be in full swing.

That's why JuriGo demystifies these few common questions about legal aid in Quebec in 2023!

How to apply for legal aid?

Applying for legal aid in Quebec can be done in 3 simple steps:

1. Make a phone appointment with the Legal Aid Bureau.
2. Verification of the applicant's eligibility.
3. Signing and sending the legal aid application.

What are the alternatives to legal aid for obtaining a free lawyer?

There is only one official "legal aid" system in Quebec, so there is no equivalent alternative to consider. However, organizations such as Neighborhood Justice Centers offer free legal advice and personalized information to individuals who request it.

Other organizations like Juripop focus on providing affordable legal services to expand access to justice. If you are not covered by legal aid, these alternatives could be useful for you.

Can private law firms represent legal aid clients?

Absolutely! Although legal aid has several full-time lawyers who work directly for the public system, private lawyers can also take legal aid mandates.

The fact that they work in private firms does not prevent them from representing clients who are eligible for legal aid.

Are children, adolescents, and minors covered by legal aid?

Yes, minors who need a lawyer are eligible for legal aid, regardless of their personal financial situation.

This also applies to cases where the child is in conflict with the interests of their parents.

And for minors, legal aid can be provided for guardianship, paternity, or criminal charges against a teenager.

Has your legal aid application been refused? Can it be contested?

Indeed, it is possible to contest a refusal of legal aid! To do so, you must contact the Review Committee of the Legal Aid Commission so that it can examine the case.

This committee will evaluate the applicant's eligibility according to the scales provided by law and confirm or overturn the original decision.

You have 30 days from the receipt of the refusal to contest the decision in question!

Find your legal aid lawyer with JuriGo!

Financial limitations should not prevent you from being represented by a competent lawyer. And fortunately, the law ensures that this is not the case!

With all the legal aid resources at your disposal, you are well-equipped to find a low-cost lawyer to help you out of a bind, without money being a concern.

Simplify your life even more by using JuriGo to find your legal aid lawyer - just fill out a form in less than 2 minutes!

Then, we ensure a quick, free, and non-binding connection with a qualified lawyer to answer your questions. What are you waiting for?