Accessing legal advice in Toronto can be expensive and intimidating, leaving many people feeling like they have nowhere to turn. Fortunately, a network of dedicated community organizations across the city hosts free "pop-up" or "drop-in" legal clinics to bridge this gap.

Here is your calendar for free, accessible legal advice happening across Toronto in August 2025.

A quick note before you go: The information below is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but schedules can change. Always call ahead or check the organization's website to confirm details before you go. Most clinics are first-come, first-served and provide "summary advice"—a 20-30 minute consultation to help you understand your rights and next steps. Remember to bring any relevant documents with you.

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• Organization: Parkdale Community Legal Services

• When: Wednesday, August 6, 2025 | 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

• Where: Parkdale Branch, Toronto Public Library (1303 Queen St W)

• Focus: Free advice for tenants on issues like eviction notices (N4, N8, etc.), getting repairs done, and dealing with landlord disputes.

• Note: Please bring a copy of your lease and any notices you have received from your landlord or the LTB.

• Organization: The 519 Legal Clinic

• When: Monday, August 11, 2025 | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

• Where: The 519 (519 Church St)

• Focus: A safe and affirming space offering summary legal advice on family law (separation, custody), immigration, and human rights issues for members of 2SLGBTQ+ communities.

• Note: This is a drop-in clinic; no appointment is necessary.

• Organization: Access Alliance Multicultural Health and Community Services

• When: Thursday, August 14, 2025 | 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

• Where: AccessPoint on Danforth (3079 Danforth Ave)

• Focus: Free legal advice for newcomers on immigration and refugee law. Get help with questions about permanent residence status, sponsorship breakdowns, and work permits.

• Note: Interpretation services are available. It's recommended to call Access Alliance ahead to confirm availability for your language.

• Organization: Workers' Action Centre

• When: Saturday, August 16, 2025 | 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

• Where: Jane/Finch Community and Family Centre (4400 Jane St)

• Focus: A vital clinic for non-unionized workers. Get free advice on issues like unpaid wages, wrongful dismissal, workplace harassment, and your rights under the Employment Standards Act.

• Organization: Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic

• When: Tuesday, August 19, 2025 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

• Where: Virtual/Phone Appointments (Must call ahead to book a same-day spot)

• Focus: Specialized family law advice for survivors of violence, covering restraining orders, custody, access, and child support.

• Note: This is not a drop-in. Call the clinic's intake line on the morning of the 19th to secure a spot for that day.

• Organization: Pro Bono Ontario

• When: Most Tuesdays & Thursdays | 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM

• Where: Superior Court of Justice (393 University Ave)

• Focus: For people representing themselves in civil court (not family or criminal). Get help with court procedures, forms, and preparing for hearings.

• Note: This is a very popular service. Arrive early, as spots fill up quickly.

If you can't make it to a clinic, these resources are always available:

• Legal Aid Ontario: Call their main line at 1-800-668-8258 to apply for a legal aid certificate, which can cover the cost of hiring a lawyer.

• Pro Bono Ontario Hotline: For longer (but still free) consultations on civil matters, call their hotline at 1-855-255-7256.

• Federation of Metro Tenants' Associations (FMTA) Hotline: For any and all tenant-related questions, call their famous hotline at 416-921-9494.

Legal issues can feel isolating, but in Toronto, you are not alone. Use this calendar to find the help you need and take the next step with confidence.

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For most of the pop-up clinics, like the Tenant Housing Rights or Workers' Rights clinics, you can just drop in. However, for specialized services like the Family Law Advice for Survivors, you must call on the day of the clinic to book a virtual or phone appointment. It's always a good idea to double-check the details for the specific clinic you plan to attend.

To get the most out of your session, you should bring all relevant documents related to your case. This could include your lease agreement, any notices from your landlord, employment contracts, pay stubs, court documents, or a timeline of events that you have prepared.

Yes, the legal advice offered at these clinics is free for eligible individuals. They are run by lawyers and community workers who volunteer their time or are funded by Legal Aid Ontario and community donations to provide access to justice for low-income residents.

This clinic is a dedicated safe space providing legal advice for 2SLGBTQ+ community members. They can assist with a variety of legal issues that may have unique considerations for the queer and trans community, including family law (like surrogacy or adoption), immigration, and human rights complaints.

The Self-Represented Litigants Clinic at the Superior Court of Justice is specifically designed to help people who don't have a lawyer. They can't give you legal advice on what to argue, but they can provide crucial help with understanding court procedures, filling out forms correctly, and preparing for your day in court.

The Family Law Advice for Women & Gender-Diverse Survivors clinic is your most specialized resource. The lawyers at this clinic are trained in trauma-informed practice and understand the complexities of family law cases involving domestic violence. You can also get help from other clinics depending on your needs (e.g., the Tenant Housing Rights clinic if you need to break your lease for safety reasons).