Do you have a legal problem?
For the most up-to-date information about Legal Aid BC services, please see Legal help under COVID-19.
Legal Aid BC has a range of free services that might be able to help. We give priority to people with low incomes. But many of our services are available to all British Columbians.
We can help you access legal information, advice, and representation services.
How do I apply for legal aid?
You can apply by contacting your local legal aid location. See the map at the bottom of this page to find your nearest location.
If there isn't a legal aid location in your community, contact the Legal Aid BC Call Centre.
Have your financial and court information handy when you apply. To find out what information you need to apply, see the Legal Aid BC website. If you don't have all the documents we need, we'll tell you what to do next.
Explains what legal aid is, how to apply, and how it can help you
How can I get legal advice?
If you don't qualify for representation by a legal aid lawyer, you might still be able to get free legal advice through our duty counsel lawyers and other services. Our services include:
Criminal law
- duty counsel lawyers
- Brydges line (for people arrested, detained, and under investigation)
- advice counsel (for people in custody)
Family law
- duty counsel lawyers
- family advice lawyers (for parents going through a separation or divorce)
- Family LawLINE phone service
- Parents Legal Centres (for child protection matters)
Immigration law
- duty counsel lawyers
See the Legal Aid BC website to find out if you qualify for legal advice.
Will a lawyer represent me?
If you qualify, you might be able to get a lawyer to take your case for:
- serious family problems
- child protection matters (see Parents Legal Centre)
- criminal law issues
- some immigration, mental health, and prison law issues
Aboriginal community legal workers — Give legal information and limited advice services
Legal information outreach workers — Give legal information and provide referrals
Legal Aid BC — Legal information, advice, and representation services for people with low incomes.