Getting help from private lawyers paid for by Legal Aid Ontario

You may be able to get help from a local lawyer paid for by Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) if you qualify financially, and you have the kind of legal problem they will help with they may issue a “certificate” to take to a local lawyer to help you. The certificate tells the lawyers what they will be paid by LAO.

You can apply by phone or at the courthouse (criminal matters only) for a certificate. If you are eligible, you can take it to a lawyer to help you.

How to find a lawyer

When calling local lawyers for help, ask if they accept legal aid certificates.

On LAO’s website, you can get information on how to choose the right legal aid lawyer or search for names of lawyers who take legal aid certificates in the area of law you choose.