The Law Society Referral Service is designed to provide callers with up to 30 minutes of consultation either by phone or in person at no charge. A Legal Information Officer will receive the call and assess the needs of the client and then provide the name of a lawyer or paralegal who best fits the client’s stated needs. The service is not designed to provide legal advice or second opinions, and any fees should be discussed with the lawyer or paralegal. The service can be reached by calling either 416-947-3330 within the GTA, or toll free 1-800-268-8326 outside the GTA. (TTY Phone: 416-644-4886). More information can be obtained from the following link: https://lso.ca/public-resources/finding-a-lawyer-or-paralegal/law-society-referral-service?lang=en-ca.
If you are unable to afford a lawyer, you may wish to attend at a free legal clinic in your area or apply for legal aid. If legal aid is granted, you may be able to retain the lawyer of your choice to represent you on the appeal or motion. You must meet certain financial and other criteria in order to qualify for legal aid. More information can be obtained from the following link: http://www.legalaid.on.ca/en/getting/type_criminal.asp
The foregoing is provided for your information only. The Law Society of Ontario and Legal Aid Ontario are not affiliated with the courts in any way. Court staff may not recommend that a litigant retain a particular counsel or seek the assistance of a program such as those provided by these organizations.