LawLINE

LawLINE, a legal aid service, is a toll-free hotline for people in BC that provides:

information about print and website materials and resources that can help you resolve your legal problem,
referrals to other services if another LSS program or another agency could help you resolve your legal problem, and
legal advice that may include written opinions and advice, correspondence, help writing documents, and contact with third parties, but does not include being represented in court or other hearing.

There is no eligibility test for LawLINE legal information and referral services. To be eligible to get legal advice through LawLINE, you must meet the financial guidelines for legal advice services. LawLINE provides information and advice on British Columbia law only.

Calling LawLINE

LawLINE helps with most legal issues. Many people call about family law problems. Others ask about criminal, debt, housing, welfare, or contract/consumer matters.
LawLINE lawyers and paralegals will answer your calls directly through our telephone system. We do not have a receptionist.
LawLINE’s recorded messages describing LSS services are available in nine languages: Arabic, Cantonese, English, Farsi, French, Mandarin, Punjabi, Spanish, and Vietnamese. The messages also explain that if you need service in a language other than English, the LawLINE staff member who answers the phone can arrange immediate access to a telephone interpreter. Interpreters are available for more than 100 languages.
LawLINE services are time-limited. Most requests for information and referrals are completed with one call. Most callers who qualify for legal advice can receive up to three hours of help, depending on the circumstances of the case.
LawLINE does not replace a lawyer who represents you in court. However, we can help you take the next steps to resolve your legal problem by giving you information, referrals to other services, or advice.

To contact LawLINE, please call:

(604) 408-2172 (Lower Mainland)
1-866-577-2525 (toll free, outside the Lower Mainland)

After your call connects, press "7" to reach to LawLINE.

Hours:
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday
9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Wednesday

LawLINE is a popular service. We receive over 2,000 calls a month. You may have to wait for several minutes to talk to us. Please be patient. You will be served faster if you wait than if you hang up and call again.

LawLINE is unable to respond to voice messages or e-mail requests for legal information or advice.