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Finding a Lawyer

Do I need a lawyer for a Residential Tenancy Branch dispute resolution hearing?

Tenants do not usually go to a Residential Tenancy Branch hearing with a lawyer; the process is designed so that you can represent yourself. However, if you are going to the BC Supreme Court, you will want to try to get legal advice and representation from a lawyer. Here are some resources:

Dial-A-Law / Lawyer Referral Service

The Lawyer Referral Service is a program that assists people seeking legal advice. Individuals are referred to a participating lawyer who provides a half-hour consultation for a $25 fee (taxes not included). After the initial consultation, the individual may choose whether or not to retain the services of the lawyer at the lawyer's regular price. Lawyer Referral Service's hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm. Call 604.687.3221 or 1.800.663.1919 (toll-free).

Dial-A-Law is a free service offering a library of transcripts on specific topics of law in British Columbia. Prepared by lawyers, these transcripts are available in English, Chinese, and Punjabi. Transcripts are accessible 24 hours a day by telephone at 604.687.4680 or 1.800.565.5297 (toll-free). Scripts are now available online in digital audio format.

Other Resources

• BC Public Interest Advocacy Centre (for Judicial Review)
  
• Community Legal Assistance Society (for Judicial Review)
  • Judicial Review Publications
• Access Pro Bono Society of BC
  
• Law Student's Legal Advice Program

Clicklaw

If you're looking for more general legal information, visit Clicklaw to view a wide range of multilingual resources on a variety of legal topics.