The Public Legal Information Association of NL (PLIAN) is seeking expressions of interest from practicing lawyers in the province for a continuing series of legal clinics throughout Labrador. This is a unique opportunity to provide legal advice and increase access to justice for the people of Labrador.

• Lawyers are compensated by PLIAN for their participation in the legal clinics.
• All travel expenses are covered by PLIAN.

The Labrador Legal Clinics are a series of free clinics organized by PLIAN and held in communities throughout Labrador. Members of the public can register for an appointment in advance with PLIAN staff and have the opportunity to receive summary legal advice from participating lawyers.

The clinics are typically organized around the areas of the law in which the lawyer is comfortable providing legal advice and may be advertised to the public either as a general legal clinic or specific to certain legal areas (i.e. Wills and Estates or Family Law).

Participants are informed in advance that the clinics are for summary advice only and that legal work, such as the completion of legal documents or representation in court, will not occur as part of the clinic. There is also no expectation that the lawyer continue to work with the client after the appointment ends, although this is possible if both the lawyer and client agree.

Legal clinics have been held recently in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador City, Nain, Hopedale, and in communities on the South Coast of Labrador, including Port Hope Simpson, Mary’s Harbour, St. Lewis, and Charlottetown. Each clinic has been very well received by members of the community, with clients expressing that they are thankful for the advice they have received and the opportunity to meet with a lawyer.  The clinics have proven to be a valuable access to justice initiative for the people of Labrador, particularly given the lack of private practicing lawyers, limited access to legal support and resources, d the remoteness of many communities, and the prohibitive cost of travel in the region.

Many lawyers who have participated in previous legal clinics have also greatly appreciated the opportunity to travel to an area of the province that many rarely get the chance to visit. In addition to providing a valuable access to justice service in Labrador, you will have the opportunity to explore communities in the area, view wildlife, experience the culture, and maybe even see the Northern Lights!

For more information or to express your interest in participating in a future clinic, please contact Paula Michelin at PLIAN’s Labrador Office at paula@publiclegalinfo.com or 709-896-5235.

Posted: May 7, 2024