1. STEP 1: DO YOU NEED A LAWYER? WHO ARE WE?
• Do you have a legal problem? Some common legal issues include Established in 1990, The Western Canada Society to Access Justice is
motor vehicle claims, criminal, personal injury, contract, civil court a non-profit society. Our directors and volunteer lawyers are dedicated to
procedures, immigration, government benefits, bankruptcy, family, justice for those who cannot afford it. All services are free. Facilities are
small business, small claims, wills, chambers applications, provided without charge by social agencies, places of worship and court
mediations, residential tenancy, debt, and many others. houses. We are a grassroots organization supported by over 1000 lawyers
• If you are in danger of deportation, going to jail, or you have a family and hundreds of non lawyers, as well as the judiciary, the Law Foundation,
problem, you may qualify for Legal Aid. Please first call the Legal the Law Society, the Vancouver Bar, and the CBA.
Services Society to determine if you qualify.
WHAT ARE OUR GOALS?
STEP 2: DO YOU QUALIFY?
• To provide first-class legal assistance to all who cannot afford a lawyer
• There are income guidelines for our services - please see our website
• To foster the principle that everyone is entitled to access to justice
or phone us for details.
regardless of income or status
• To improve the image of lawyers in the community
STEP 3: MAKE AN APPOINTMENT*
• Call the nearest suitable clinic or the Access Justice Hotline.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
• You will be asked to provide your name, date of birth, phone
Tell other people about our services. We want everyone who qualifies to
number, and a short description of your case.
know our service is there to help.
• Make a note of the time and place of your appointment.
APPOINTMENT DETAILS
Do You Need
STEP 4: PREPARATION
• Confirm your appointment the day before.
Time:
• Prepare a summary of your situation and a list of any questions
you have.
Free Legal Advice?
Place:
• Organize and bring with you any important papers including court
documents and letters.
• Confirm the location of the clinic and travel plans
Details:
• Please keep your appointment! (Our lawyers' time is precious and could
be spent helping other clients!)
STEP 5: WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?
• Appointments lasting approximately 30 minutes
• Qualified lawyers
• Confidential sessions Confirmation number:
• Follow-up meetings, if necessary
• Written advice (where applicable)
• Our lawyers do not go into court but can prepare you to do so.
Access Justice Client Hotline: 604-878-7400
Toll Free: (from outside Greater Vancouver)
1-87-PRO BONO-4 (1-877-762-6664)
*Although rarely used, the Western Canada Society to
Access Justice reserves the right to decline assistance
Website: www.accessjustice.ca
E-mail: help@accessjustice.ca
Fax: 604.324.1515
This brochure is made possible by a grant from the Law Foundation.
We are approved by Pro Bono Law B.C. as a Pro Bono Provider.
THE WESTERN CANADA SOCIETY TO
www.accessjustice.ca www.accessjustice.ca
ACCESS JUSTICE