L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic (“Clinic”) provides free legal assistance to small businesses, start-ups, entrepreneurs, and innovators. Services are available to family businesses, non-profit organizations, charities, and artistic, cultural, and community organizations who do not have a lawyer and cannot afford legal assistance in Manitoba. The Clinic is operated by law students, who are supervised by practising lawyers.
Legal Aid Manitoba (“LAM”) provides legal assistance to individuals who qualify financially and whose cases have merit. LAM provides services in the following areas: public interest matters, family, immigration and refugee, residential tenancies, child protection, mental health, and criminal matters. LAM’s lawyers regularly travel to more than forty communities surrounding Manitoba’s major cities.
Legal Help Centre (“LHC”) provides free legal information, self-representation support, system navigation, and referrals to resources through its in-person Drop-in Clinic or telephone appointments. To get legal information, summary advice, or a referral at a Drop-In Clinic, clients must not have a lawyer already assisting them with the matter, not qualify for Legal Aid, and meet the financial eligibility guideline. In some instances, clients may receive further assistance with drafting court documents, writing letters, and legal research.
The Manitoba Legal Clinic for the Arts (“Clinic”) provides free legal information and services tailored specifically to artists and arts organizations across a range of disciplines. Examples of available services include drafting and reviewing contracts, starting a new business and choosing a business structure, and assistance with trademark and copyright issues. The Clinic is operated by law students, who are supervised by practising lawyers.
NorWest Co-Op Community Health Centre’s Family Violence Program is available to individuals who have experienced family violence, are supporting children impacted by violence, or need assistance with safety planning, system navigation, or emotional support. Participants can live anywhere in Winnipeg. Services include (but are not limited to) domestic violence support and counselling, legal advice, information, and representation, and child and youth counselling.
Healthy Muslim Families provides assistance on a wide range of topics, such as criminal charges, family law matters, and immigration. Healthy Muslim Families offer free one-on-one 30-minute consultations with a lawyer. Additionally, the organization helps fill out documents like protection orders, child support claims, and Basis of Claim for refugee status. Free interpretation services can be provided with advance notice.