Do solicitors still give free advice?
Some solicitors give 30 minutes’ legal advice for free. Some offer a fixed fee – that way you’ll know in advance what the advice will cost. You can call a solicitor’s office and ask if they offer a free half hour or a fixed fee. A free or fixed-fee appointment can help you find out your rights and legal position.
Why is free legal advice important?
Why is keeping free legal advice going so important? Community legal advice services are important as they help the most vulnerable individuals and families to be treated fairly. They help over 2 million people every year receive protection, shelter & education.
Who is the first point of contact for legal advice?
A solicitor is usually the first point of contact if you have a legal problem. Sometimes solicitors refer work to a barrister for specialist advice or to appear in court to represent you.
How can I get free legal advice in BC?
Telephone advice Call Legal Aid BC at 604-408-2172 in Greater Vancouver or toll-free 1-866-577-2525 elsewhere in BC. If you are arrested or detained and in police custody, you can call the Brydges Line to speak with a lawyer. This is a free 24-hour emergency number for legal advice. Call toll-free 1-866-458-5500.
What does a duty solicitor do?
The duty solicitor provides legal advice, assistance and representation to those people who face disadvantage in court due to factors such as a lack of financial resources, lack of understanding of court procedures, language barriers, cultural background, age, physical or mental health, and gender.
What is the right to legal advice?
In relation to criminal offences, Article 6(3)(c) everyone has the right ‘to defend himself in person or through legal assistance of his own choosing or, if he has not sufficient means to pay for legal assistance, to be given it free when the interests of justice so require’.
What is the right to legal assistance?
every person who is arrested or detained has the right to communicate with a legal practitioner of his or her choice in private in the place where he or she is detained, to be informed of that right promptly and, if he or she does not have sufficient means to engage a legal practitioner and the interests of justice …
Can people talk on behalf of court?
In court cases, you can either represent yourself or be represented by a lawyer. Even for simple and routine matters, you can’t go to court for someone else without a law license. Some federal and state agencies allow non-lawyers to represent others at administrative hearings.
Can I take someone to court without a solicitor?
If you don’t have a lawyer (a solicitor or barrister), you can take your own case or defend yourself in court or at a tribunal. It’s important to try to get proper legal help if you can. If you’re on a low income, find out if you can get free or affordable legal advice.
Can you get legal aid to fight a will?
If you are on a very low income, you may be able to get legal aid to help with the costs of contesting a Will.
Is legal advice free in Canada?
If you are a lawyer, paralegal or law student looking to get involved, this information will help you get started. PBSC is a national pro bono organization with a chapter in every Canadian law school. PBSC provides legal services without charge to organizations and individuals in need.