Pro Bono Canada (PBC) 

• Who it’s for: General public across Canada, especially low-income individuals who don’t qualify for Legal Aid but still can’t afford private lawyers.

• Why it exists: PBC doesn’t provide legal help directly — it supports provincial pro bono organizations (like Pro Bono Ontario, Access Pro Bono in BC, etc.). Each province runs its own pro bono programs, and PBC helps them coordinate, share resources, and advocate for access to justice.

• How it helps you: Through PBC’s provincial partners, you may be able to connect with a volunteer lawyer for free legal advice or representation in specific areas (civil, family, housing, immigration, etc.). Availability depends on the province and the type of case.

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Pro Bono Students Canada

• Who it’s for: People and community organizations who need basic legal information, documents, or guidance but don’t necessarily need (or qualify for) a full lawyer.

• Why it exists: PBSC partners with law schools across Canada. Law students, under supervision of lawyers or professors, volunteer their time to provide free legal support.

• How it helps you: PBSC can help draft legal documents, explain rights in plain language, and support community organizations with legal research. They can’t represent you in court, but they can give you tools, info, and documents that make it easier to deal with legal processes.

Duty Counsel

• Who it’s for: Anyone who shows up at court (criminal, family, or some civil matters) and needs immediate legal advice or representation for the day.

• Why it exists: Duty counsel are lawyers paid by provincial Legal Aid programs to ensure no one goes unrepresented in urgent court situations, especially where liberty or housing is at risk.

• How it helps you: You don’t need to book in advance or pay — you just ask for duty counsel at the courthouse. They can:

  • Speak on your behalf for that appearance.

  • Explain your rights and options.

  • Help with bail hearings, guilty pleas, adjournments, or urgent family matters.

  • They don’t stay on your case long-term — they’re a short-term safety net.

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