Downsview Community Legal Services

Do you have a legal problem?

We can help.

Downsview Community Legal Services is a Community Legal clinic providing free legal assistance to low-income people living in our area.

We are funded by Legal Aid Ontario and governed by a community Board of Directors. The office is staffed by lawyers, paralegals, community legal workers and administrative staff.

Services We Provide

Legal Representation

We provide legal advice and/ or assistance in the following areas:

• Landlord and Tenant
• Social Assistance / OW / ODSP
• Canada Pension Plan matters
• Employment Insurance Appeals

Legal Advice

We provide legal advice on the following matters:

• Family Law
• Immigration

Community Education

We can help community groups understand the law and their legal rights. We provide speakers for groups in areas of law within our expertise.

Law Reform

Through involvement in lobbying, test cases, and community organizing we work towards changing laws for the benefit of people with low income.

Referrals

If you have a legal problem outside of our expertise, we will provide you with other resources. In domestic violence situations, we will provide emergency advice and referrals.

Housing Help Clinic

Downsview Community Legal Services in co-operation with Unison Health and Community Services and St. Stephen’s Conflict Mediation Services hosts a Housing Help Clinic on the third Thursday of each month.

The clinic is held inside the Lawrence Heights community at 12 Flemington Road. The goal of the Housing Clinic is to attempt resolution of landlord and tenant matters before commencing any legal action at the Landlord and Tenant Board.

Satellite Office at Lawrence Heights

We are now providing legal services to the Lawrence Heights Community at the Unison Health and Community Services, Lawrence Heights Location.

Please contact DCLS at 416-787-1661 x3263 for information or to make an appointment.

Mission Statement

“To promote access to justice for our low-income community.”

To do this we:

1. Provide free legal advice and representation to individuals in our community
2. Provide community education and outreach
3. Engage in law reform activities 
4. Foster Community Partnerships