Legal aid

There is only one way to find out: call your local legal aid office and make an appointment. Please note that it is not possible to verify your eligibility by telephone or online.

We believe that the legal aid system is not designed in a way that ensures that everyone receives the best possible defence. However, we may accept your case under the appearance of legal aid. Our lawyers also occasionally take pro bono cases. In order to better understand the legal aid system and how private bar lawyers are paid, contact us or click here.

When Justice requires that you be represented in an appeal, we will gladly take your case with a legal aid mandate. Fortunately, we are able to devote time to cases covered by legal aid.

In accordance with section 34 of the Code of Professional Conduct of Lawyers: “A lawyer must inform his client without delay when he believes the client qualifies for legal aid.”

People wishing to apply for legal aid can do so:

• through a government lawyer; or
• through a private lawyer who accepts legal aid cases.

It is important to note that it is common for lawyers who take on legal aid assignments to have a heavy workload.

The previous statement rhymes with “volume practice”. Usually, the more cases a lawyer has to handle at the same time, the less time he has to devote to each of them.

Important: Legal aid usually pays private bar lawyers based on a flat rate. Contrary to popular belief, lawyers are not paid each time they file a case, but rather according to a flat rate.

• A summary conviction offence file (less serious) $330 + $50 administration fee.
• A criminal offence file (more serious) $550 + $50 administration fee.

Usually, the fees and expenses of a private bar lawyer who takes on a legal aid case remain the same regardless of how much time they spend on your case.

Before hiring a private lawyer who accepts legal aid cases, it is important to confirm with them that they are willing to devote the necessary time to your case.