Office phone: 416-979-1446
Toll-free phone: 1-800-668-8258
Fax: 416-979-2948 Administration
E-mail: info@lao.on.ca
Web site: www.legalaid.on.ca
Address: Provincial Office, 375 University Ave, Ste 404, Toronto, ON, M5G 2G1
Location: (Intersection) Toronto Central (University Ave-Dundas St W)
Ward: Toronto Centre-Rosedale (Ward 27)
Officers: Robert Ward, President and Chief Executive Officer
Languages of service: English ; sign interpreters arranged through Canadian Hearing Society and paid by Legal Aid Ontario
Eligibility: Persons with low incomes - see below for specific services
How to apply: Call for information - certificate application -- no appointment needed, but bring all documents related to case and to personal finances - proof of social assistance required
Physical access: Wheelchair accessible building including main entrance and barrier free washrooms - parking close to entrance
Service description: Free legal information and advice

• arranges for payment of lawyers through Legal Aid Certificates in cases requiring legal representation
• out of court settlement conferences for some civil cases

Legal Aid Certificates -- reimburses participating lawyers for services rendered on behalf of client

• financial assessment required
• only granted for some types of legal problems, usually criminal, immigration or family law matters
• client may have to agree to repay all or part of legal fees
• seniors who collect Guaranteed Income Supplement (and do not own property) may have lawyer reimbursed for will preparation

Advice Lawyer -- people who qualify for legal aid financially but whose particular cases are not eligible for a certificate are able to receive some assistance and advice, particularly in family law matters or where a person needs help to file documents
Community Legal Clinics -- provincial office funds and sets policy for independent, specialty and student legal clinics in Toronto (indexed under LEGAL SERVICES and its subheadings)

• for services beyond information and advice, clients usually required to meet financial or case eligibility guidelines and not be eligible for Legal Aid Certificate
• formal representation only available in particular areas such as tenant issues, immigration, pensions, social assistance, Employment Insurance (EI), workers compensation, poverty law
• client may be asked to contribute towards disbursements

Organization type: Non Profit
Subjects: Legal aid; Legal information
Record ID: MET0601
Last complete update: 2007-12-20
Last modification date: 2008-05-07