Nova Scotia
The Advocates' Society is pleased to promote to our Nova Scotia members the following opportunities to give back to their communities.
Nova Scotia Courts' Free Legal Clinics
The organization: The Nova Scotia Courts offer free
legal clinics for self-represented litigants. The clinics are currently offered in Halifax, Yarmouth, Truro, and Sydney, Cape Breton.
The program: Individuals representing themselves on civil matters before the Nova Scotia Supreme Court or the Court of Appeal can obtain legal information and assistance at each of the clinics. Assistance is also available in Halifax, Yarmouth and Truro for family law matters going before the Court of Appeal only, with the exception of child protection appeals. Self-represented parties are able to book a private, one-hour appointment with a volunteer practising lawyer and in some instances a law student, and receive information and advice, as well as some assistance with drafting court forms or other documents.
The volunteer's role: The Nova Scotia Courts are seeking Nova Scotia lawyers in good standing to volunteer in-person and by phone at the legal clinics located in Halifax, Yarmouth, Truro, and Sydney. Volunteer lawyers will meet with self-represented litigants who have pre-booked appointments in-person and/or by telephone. During these appointments, volunteer lawyers will provide general legal information and advice, including helping self-represented litigants to complete court forms, identify legal issues, and sometimes draft legal documents. Where possible, the volunteer lawyers will be partnered with a law student who can help with checking in the clients and taking notes.
How to get involved: More information about volunteering is available upon request. Lawyers interested in volunteering should contact the following individuals:
Please click here to see further national opportunities for all TAS members.