LEGAL AID

In British Columbia, Legal Aid is a non-profit service provided by Legal Aid BC (LABC) that helps people with low incomes solve their legal problems.

Unlike 211 or 811, which are primarily for information, Legal Aid can provide you with an actual lawyer to represent you in court if you qualify financially and your case is considered a priority.

1. What services do they provide?

• Legal Representation: A free lawyer to handle your case from start to finish.

• Legal Advice: Short-term help from "duty counsel" (lawyers at the courthouse) or over the phone for immediate issues.

• Legal Information: Online resources, brochures, and help finding the right path for your legal problem.

2. Does my case qualify?

Legal Aid BC does not cover every type of law (for example, they rarely cover small claims or personal injury). They prioritize:

• Criminal Charges: If you are facing a serious charge that could lead to jail time.

• Family Law: If there are safety issues (like domestic violence) or if the government is trying to take your children away (Child Protection).

• Immigration & Refugee: If you are seeking refugee status or facing deportation.

• Mental Health/Prison Law: Issues related to being detained under the Mental Health Act or rights while in prison.

3. Do I qualify financially?

To get a free lawyer, your net monthly household income (what you take home after taxes and some deductions) must be below a certain limit based on your family size.

• Example: As of recent guidelines, a single person usually needs a net monthly income below roughly $1,700–$2,200 for criminal/family cases, though these limits are higher for families with children.

• They also look at your assets, such as whether you own a home, a car, or have significant savings.

4. How to apply

You can apply for Legal Aid in three ways:

• Phone: Call the Call Centre at 1-866-577-2525 (Toll-free) or 604-408-2172 (Lower Mainland).

• Online: You can submit an initial application at legalaid.bc.ca.

• In-Person: Visit a local Legal Aid office or a "Parents Legal Centre."

If you don't qualify for Legal Aid...

If your income is too high for Legal Aid but you still can't afford a private lawyer, look into:

• Access Pro Bono: Provides free 30-minute legal advice clinics.

• Clicklaw: An excellent website for finding free or low-cost legal help in BC.

• Justice Access Centres: Located in Vancouver, Victoria, Nanaimo, and Surrey for help with family and civil law.

LIST OF ALL LEGAL AID OFFICES IN BC

In British Columbia, Legal Aid BC (LABC) operates through a network of regional centres, local intake offices, and specialized "Parents Legal Centres."

While you can always apply by phone at 1-866-577-2525, here are the physical locations across the province where you can find in-person support or intake services.

1. Primary Regional & Intake Offices

These offices handle general applications for criminal, family, and immigration legal aid.

• Vancouver (Regional Centre): 400 – 510 Burrard Street

• Abbotsford: 2459 Pauline Street (Rob Dhanu & Uphar Dhaliwal)

• Campbell River/Courtenay: 870D 13th Avenue (Campbell River)

• Chilliwack: Chilliwack Courthouse (2nd Floor), 46085 Yale Road

• Dawson Creek: 201 – 10300 10th Street

• Duncan: Duncan Courthouse, 238 Government Street

• Fort St. James: Fort St. James Courthouse, 2537 Stones Bay Road

• Hazelton: 4305 Field Street

• Kamloops: Kamloops Courthouse (2nd Floor), 455 Columbia Street

• Kelowna: Kelowna Law Courts, 228 – 1355 Water Street

• Nanaimo: Nanaimo Courthouse, 35 Front Street

• New Westminster: Law Courts, Begbie Square, Room 222

• Penticton: Penticton Courthouse, 106 – 100 Main Street

• Port Alberni: 5029 Argyle Street

• Port Coquitlam: Port Coquitlam Courthouse, Room 321, 2620 Mary Hill Road

• Prince George: Prince George Law Courts, 250 George Street

• Quesnel: Quesnel Courthouse, 350 Barlow Avenue

• Richmond: 201 – 8171 Cook Road

• Salmon Arm: Salmon Arm Provincial Court, 550 2nd Avenue NE

• Surrey: Surrey Courthouse, 14340 – 57 Avenue

• Victoria: Victoria Courthouse, Room 134, 850 Burdett Avenue

2. Parents Legal Centres (PLC)

These centres specifically help parents with child protection matters (when the Ministry is involved with your family).

• Campbell River: 870D 13th Avenue

• Duncan: 301 – 238 Government Street

• Kamloops: 623 Victoria Street

• Prince George: 302 – 1488 4th Avenue

• Smithers/Hazelton: 1242 Main Street (Smithers)

• Surrey: 308 – 7337 137th Street (Newton Town Centre)

• Terrace: 4546 Park Avenue

• Vancouver: Room 129 – 800 Hornby Street (Robson Square)

• Victoria: 200 – 818 Broughton Street

• Williams Lake: 202 – 366 Taseko Avenue

3. Indigenous Justice Centres

Staffed by the BC First Nations Justice Council, these provide culturally appropriate legal help in Merritt, Prince George, and Prince Rupert, plus a Virtual Indigenous Justice Centre (1-866-786-0081).

Note: Many offices have specific hours or require an appointment. It is highly recommended to call the main line (1-866-577-2525) first to confirm which office can best handle your specific legal issue.