Legal help in Ontario ranges from free general information, to brief advice, to full representation. The right starting point depends on your issue, your budget and how much help you need. Use the routes below to find where to begin.
Check before you rely on it: this isn't a complete list of every service in Ontario. Eligibility, coverage, intake and hours can change, so confirm details with each provider.
1Choose a starting route
Pick the situation closest to yours. Each card jumps to the details.
2Free legal help and information
Start here if cost is the main barrier, or if you first need to understand where you stand.
Steps to Justice
FreePlain-language legal information with links to further help. It helps you understand your issue and what to ask, but general information isn't the same as advice on your specific facts.
Pro Bono Ontario civil advice hotline
FreeUp to 30 minutes of free legal advice and help on covered Ontario civil matters, for people who can't afford a lawyer. Help is given during the call; it isn't ongoing representation.
- Phone
- 1-855-255-7256
- Hours
- Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (check for changes or closures)
- Not covered
- Family, criminal and immigration matters
- Ask
- What help is possible on the call, and what you need to do afterwards
Community legal clinics
Free if eligibleCommunity-based clinics that often help with issues like housing and income support. Subject areas and intake criteria vary by clinic.
- Good for
- Housing, income support and similar community issues
- Usually not
- Criminal charges, divorce, or every type of dispute
- Ask
- Whether the clinic covers your issue and neighbourhood, and whether it gives information, advice, representation or a referral
3Legal Aid Ontario
Legal Aid Ontario offers different kinds of help depending on your issue and financial eligibility. Not every matter qualifies, and applying doesn't mean a lawyer has been retained for you.
- Phone
- 1-800-668-8258 (toll-free)
416-979-1446 (Toronto/GTA) - Applying
- The application page explains current routes and the records you may need. Online applications have conditions, so check them first.
- Ask
- Whether you'll need to contribute to or repay any costs
4Find and check a lawyer
Use these to find a lawyer or law firm, get an introductory consultation, or check that a professional is licensed.
Lawyers of Ontario
Free to searchSearch Lawyers of Ontario by location, practice area or firm name, including family, criminal defence, employment, real estate, business, and wills and estates. Review profiles, build a shortlist and contact firms directly. A paid consultation can be useful even before you decide to hire.
- Compare
- Experience, fee structure, availability and communication
- Confirm
- Practice fit, location, timeline, consultation fee, ongoing costs, and any language or accessibility needs
- Before work starts
- Get the scope and fees confirmed
Lawyers of Ontario is a directory, not a law firm or legal aid provider. Being listed doesn't guarantee availability, suitability or outcome. Use the Law Society directory to verify a lawyer's status.
Law Society Referral Service
Free 30-min consultConnects you with a participating lawyer or paralegal for an introductory consultation of up to 30 minutes, free of charge. Confirm the current terms directly.
- Document preparation and any further legal work are separate from the consultation and may cost money.
Law Society of Ontario directory
Free to searchThe official directory for finding legal professionals and checking their practising status. A listing doesn't mean the professional has an appointment available or can take your matter, so contact the firm and mention any upcoming dates.
5Lower-cost paid help
If you can pay for part of the work but not a whole matter, this lets you control scope and cost.
Limited scope legal services
Paid, per taskAlso called "unbundled" services: you hire a lawyer for specific tasks instead of the whole matter, such as reviewing a document, preparing one, or advising on a single step.
- Ask for a written description of the tasks, who is responsible for what, dates, filing and communications.
- It isn't right for every situation, and it isn't necessarily free.
6Prepare before you contact a provider
In immediate danger? Call 911. If a legal step is urgent, contact a professional directly; don't wait to finish this checklist or hear back from several services.
Going to a consultation? Use our Consultation Preparation Checklist.
Sources and scope
Each linked provider is the source for its own service description. Information checked [DATE]. No endorsement of, affiliation with, or guarantee of availability from any linked provider is implied. This page is general information only, not legal advice.