CNIB Legal Support
Through the largest consultation process in CNIB’s history, we heard directly from people impacted by blindness across Canada that they wanted CNIB to provide more support in instances where their human rights are infringed upon. In response to their feedback and to help provide greater access to justice, CNIB is now offering legal support (referral services and litigation grants) to Canadian residents with sight loss who encounter legal issues that may require support with. To learn more, visit CNIB’s Legal Support webpage.
Nova Scotia Legal Aid
Nova Scotia Legal Aid offers free legal help to adults and youth facing a range of legal issues. Although some of Nova Scotia Legal Aid’s services are based on financial need, others are available to all Nova Scotians. Nova Scotia Legal Aid’s services consist of:
- Legal information
- Legal advice
- Representation by a lawyer
In general, there are three requirements you must meet to receive representation from a lawyer through Nova Scotia Legal Aid:
- You must meet their income requirements and provide proof of income;
- Your legal issue must fall under the areas of criminal, family, or social justice law (including Residential Tenancies and landlord/tenant issues); and
- There must be legal merit to your case, meaning there must be a reasonable chance of success.
Nova Scotia also offers free walk-in/online clinics at set times to help people understand the legal process, answer their questions and help them get legal aid. If Nova Scotia Legal Aid is unable to assist with your matter, they can connect you to alternative resources/services to assist with your matter.
reachAbility
reachAbility is a non-profit organization that operates a legal referral service, wherein people with disabilities are connected with volunteer lawyers, who provide a free one- hour consultation.
reachAbility also provides various other services, including:
- Form Filling clinics,
- Employment support services,
- Employment Bootcamp,
- and many others.
The Courts of Nova Scotia Free Legal Clinics
The Courts of Nova Scotia Free Legal Clinics offer free legal clinics to self-represented litigants, who have cases before the Nova Scotia Supreme Court or the Court of Appeal. Clinics are currently offered in Halifax, Yarmouth, Sydney and Truro. Private one-hour sessions with a volunteer practicing lawyer and a law student are also available by appointment.
Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia (LISNS)
Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia (LISNS) is a charitable organization which provides Nova Scotians with reliable information and resources about the law in various areas, including (among others) employment and housing.
LISNS also provides a variety of other services, including lawyer referrals and legal information via live chat, telephone, or email.
LISNS’ website also has a directory of free and low-cost legal help services in Nova Scotia.
Dalhousie Legal Aid Service
Dalhousie Legal Aid Service is a community law clinic that is operated by the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University. Community groups, law students, community legal workers, and lawyers work together to combat injustices affecting persons with low incomes in Nova Scotia.
Some of the services offered by Dalhousie Legal Aid include:
- Providing legal information to tenants about how to resolve disputes with their landlords; and
- In some circumstances, legal representation.
You can contact Dalhousie Legal Aid by phone at 902-423-8105 or by email at legalaid@dal.ca.