Legal Aid Ontario - Duty Counsel Offices

Record #: 69042234 | Last Full Update: 9 Dec 2025

Description and Services
Description (Service)	Lawyers available to give immediate legal assistance to people who appear in court without a lawyer assists with criminal or family law issues referrals to other legal aid services Family duty counsel: advice about legal rights, obligations and the court process help to negotiate and settle issues help to review or prepare court documents to be filed assistance in the courtroom with child protection hearings, garnishment and support hearings, requesting adjournments, arguing motions, hearings for issues such as custody, access, or support where the issues are not complicated Criminal duty counsel: advice about legal rights, obligations and the court process assistance in the courtroom for bail hearings and sentencing assistance with diversion, guilty pleas and adjournments may also provide assistance in specialized courts such as mental health, drug treatment, domestic violence and Aboriginal persons (Gladue) court
Hours	Mon-Fri 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Eligibility	Individuals with a low income who have their court date and time and who cannot afford legal services; see website for eligibility thresholds
Languages	English, French
Application	Apply either by phone, in-person (if in correctional facility or hospital), or online
Location & Accessibility
Service Area	Ottawa
Address	161 Elgin St Ottawa, ON K2P 2K1 Canada Get Directions
Physical Access	Fully Accessible
Contact Information
Office	613-238-7931
Toll Free	1-800-668-8258
TTY	7-1-1
Email	info@lao.on.ca
Website	https://www.legalaid.on.ca/duty-counsel-offices/
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