Legal Resources

Understanding where you can go for legal help is an important step when dealing with many situations. In additional to many qualified lawyers, there are a number of legal resources available to you in Waterloo Region.

Finding a lawyer

You should look for a lawyer who practices the type of law related to your situation. You might also look for a lawyer who speaks your first language. Some lawyers offer a free consultation.  You should feel comfortable with your choice of lawyer. If you don't feel comfortable after consultation, call another lawyer.

Find a lawyer by asking family, friends, colleagues or settlement workers for recommendations, search online or contact the Law Society of Upper Canada's Lawyer Referral Service. The service will refer you to a lawyer in your area for a 30 minute free consultation. You can also check the Law Society's Directory of Certified Specialists. In case of a crisis you can call the Crisis Line: 1-855-947-5255 and speak to a legal information officer to find legal help.  

Lawyer's fees

When you see a lawyer, ask for an estimate of what the work will cost. The fee may depend on your situation. You might pay a set fee or an hourly rate. You may also have to pay charges to cover expenses, such as the cost of faxing, photocopying or ordering official documents for you.

Legal aid

Legal aid is available if you need legal help but cannot afford to pay for a lawyer. You must meet income and eligibility criteria.

Legal Aid Ontario provides help for legal problems, including criminal matters, family disputes and immigration and refugee hearings. Different services are available depending on your needs. The certificate program entitles clients to receive advice and representation by private lawyers or by legal aid staff lawyers. To apply for a legal aid certificate, call 1-800-668-8258.

The Waterloo Region Community Legal Clinic provides legal assistance related to tenancies, Ontario Works,  disabilities, as well as immigration and refugee applications. A legal aid certificate is not required to access their services. They can meet clients in Kitchener or Cambridge (by appointment by calling the Kitchener office).

Legal information and resources

Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO) and Legal Line provide free online information and resources on the legal system and getting legal help in Canada. Information is available in multiple languages.

The Law Society of Upper Canada handbook Handling Everyday Legal Problems provides easy to understand information about Ontario's legal system and the types of legal services available.

CLEO provides information on:

• Immigration and refugee law
• Tenancy rights and responsibilities
• Employee rights and responsibilities

Settlement.org also provides many relevant resources and information.