Working with specific types of clients

Services

Information for legal professionals serving clients from particular backgrounds or clients who may face barriers, such as a person with a disability.

Legal Services

Law Society Referral Service

Provides the name of a lawyer or paralegal who best fits a person’s stated needs. The service is not designed to provide legal advice or second opinions.

Educates and informs persons with disabilities, family members, lawyers and the general public about the rights and interests of persons with disabilities and ensures that quality legal and social representation is provided. Provides lawyer referral services for people with disabilities through a network of lawyers who volunteer.

Other Services

Augmentative Communication Community Partnerships - ACCP

Promotes awareness, justice, enhanced quality of life and community participation for people who use augmentative and alternative communication.

Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime

Ensures that the federal government meets its responsibilities to victims of crime by addressing complaints of victims, providing information and referrals to victims and promoting awareness of the needs of victims and systemic issues.

Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee [OPGT] - Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General

Manages the finances and property of adults who have been found incapable of managing their own affairs; is the decision maker of last resort for treatment & placement decisions for those individuals who have no one else to do so; and can investigate situations where an incapable person may be at risk of abuse or neglect

Veteran's Review and Appeal Board

Provides applicants withredress for disability pension and disability award decisions and the final level of appeal for War Veterans Allowance claims.

Common Questions

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Resources

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News

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Legal Topics

Aboriginal Issues
Aboriginal peoples are confronted by challenges in Canada and internationally, requiring programs, strategies and solutions that ensure their rights are protected under the law.
- General Aboriginal Issues
Abuse and Family Violence
Abuse and family violence can take the form of physical, psychological, sexual, financial, or emotional abuse. Abuse happens in all kinds of families, including people of all income levels, ethnocultural backgrounds, and sexual orientations.
Consumer Law
In Ontario, there are laws that set out the rights of consumers in transactions between consumers and businesses.
Criminal Law
Criminal offences and criminal procedures are defined by federal law and the Constitution of Canada. The Youth Criminal Justice Act applies to young people in trouble with the law.
Education Law
In Ontario, there are laws that establish a child's right to attend school. These laws also deal with attendance, suspensions, and expulsion, as well as the rights of children who have special needs.
Employment and Work
There are laws about hours of work, minimum wage, vacation pay, holiday pay, time off work, health and safety in the workplace, and what a worker can do if they are fired or treated so badly that they are forced to quit.
Environmental Law
Covers legal rights when it comes to pollution and environmental damage.
- Environmental protection
Family Law
Family law covers legal issues related to the formation and breakdown of families, including marriage and common-law relationships, birth and adoption, separation and divorce, child custody and access, child support, spousal support, division of property, and child protection.
Health and Disability
In Ontario, there are laws about access to health care services and to Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) coverage.
Housing Law
In Ontario, the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) sets out the law related to rent increases, evictions, repairs, and other issues that affect tenants. The RTA applies to most rental housing, although there are some living arrangements and rental situations it does not apply to.
Human Rights
Includes information on rights under provincial, federal, and international human rights laws, and under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Immigration and Refugee Law
Includes information on rights of refugees and immigrants to Canada, how to seek admission to Canada as a permanent resident or refugee, and Canadian citizenship.
Legal System
Includes information on the Canadian legal and justice system, Canadian courts (civil and criminal), court processes, and alternatives to court.
Social Assistance and Pensions
Includes information on applying for, appealing, and maintaining income support from the government (social assistance, CPP, and ODSP).
Wills and Estates
Wills, estates, trusts and power of attorney are common tools used in estate planning: the transfer of a person's assets (e.g. property, money) when they die, and other personal matters including guardianship of dependent children.