At the YWCA Montreal, the involvement of volunteers helps to extend the range of services offered to women.
From October to March, thanks to a partnership with Pro Bono Students Canada, the YWCA Montreal Legal Information Clinic hosts a team of volunteer law students.
A free service to guide you
How can a student help you ?
- Be better prepared to meet with a lawyer or notary
Before meeting with one our volunteer lawyers or notaries, explain your situation to one of our volunteer students who can then help you to pinpoint the important facts of your problem and your legal questions.
- Orientation, Research and Legal Information Resources
The volunteer students can help guide you towards legal information resources and help you conduct your research. They can also conduct research on your behalf.
- How to draft letters (e.g. Demand letter)
In certain cases, the volunteer students can help you draft letters. This service is intended to assist you in the structure only (not the content). For example, they can explain the necessary elements that a demand letter must contain, and in certain situations, help you draft such a letter.
How to meet with a student ?
The students are available at different times during the week. When possible they can meet with individuals who come to the Clinic without an appointment.
To ensure their availability, it is preferable to make an appointment with the Clinic in advance at 514-866-9941 ext 293, or via our online contact form.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Can the students provide me with legal advice?
A. No. The mandate of the YWCA Montreal Legal Information Clinic is not to offer legal information. The goal of the service is to inform individuals on their rights and obligations, on different legal procedures and on applicable laws in Quebec and Canada.
Moreover, since the students are not members of the Barreau of Quebec, they cannot provide legal advice of any kind. This is in accordance with article 128 of the Act respecting the Barreau du Québec which specifies that only lawyers and notaries can provide legal advice or representation.
Q. Can the students provide me with information right away?
A. It depends. The students can immediately guide you towards resources and guides on general information. However, if you’re seeking to obtain information on your particular situation, they will not be able to answer immediately. The policy is put in place to assure the quality of our services and to respect the Act respecting the Barreau du Québec.
We will do our very best to respond to your questions as quickly as possible, however note that there is a possible delay between 1-2 weeks following your consultation with the volunteer students in order to receive the information adapted to your situation.
If you need urgent help we can refer you to another organisation that can provide you with a more immediate assistance.
Download the presentation (pdf)
Volunteering at the Legal Information Clinic
Are you a lawyer, notary or law student who would like to volunteer at our Clinic?