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