Free legal help for people who don't have a lawyer with cases before the Federal Court of Canada in Toronto

Services

If you are eligible for services, PBLO will make efforts to determine whether a pro bono lawyer is prepared to assist. Even for eligible litigants, there is no guarantee that assistance will be available. Lawyers participate on a voluntary basis and are allowed to refuse cases for any reason. If a lawyer is prepared to assist you, the potential services available include:

Legal advice, including an assessment of the merit of your position

Preparation and review of documents

Representation in court

Qualifying for Assistance

Free legal help is only available to people who meet the following criteria:

• You are acting as an individual. Corporations or businesses do not qualify.
• You are not eligible for Legal Aid
• You are prepared to authorize any volunteer lawyer who may assist you to consult with any previous counsel who assisted you with the matter.
• Your case before the Federal Court has legal merit as determined by the volunteer lawyer(s) reviewing your application'
• You are on a government support program like OW, ODSP or CPP. OR
• Your total household income does not exceed PBLO's financial eligibility cut-offs:

Family Size Financial Cut-Off

Number in family / Annual Household Income

1. $36,000 / year
2. $54,000 / year
3. $61,992 / year
4. $73,992 / year

How to Get Help

• Apply to PBLO at the earliest possible stage of your matter. Keep in mind that you bear full responsibility for the matter unless and until a lawyer has agreed to assist you.
• PBLO will keep in touch with you to let you know if legal assistance is available. This could take up to three weeks.
• If a lawyer is available to consult with you, PBLO will give you the name of the lawyer to contact. The purpose of the initial consultation is to determine the scope of services, if any, the lawyer is prepared to provide.
• If you and the lawyer wish to enter into a professional relationship, you will be expected to sign a retainer agreement
• You should anticipate that the retainer agreement will outline the nature of services the lawyer is willing to provide, that the lawyer is not charging legal fees, but that you remain responsible for all disbursements and any costs awards made against you.

Click Here to download our application

Visit our Law Help Ontario centre at 393 University Ave., Suite 110 or call 416-597-0770 ext. 200 if you have any questions about your eligibility.