About the Legal Essentials Program
Seeking legal counsel can be intimidating and resolving a dispute can be difficult, especially since finding and engaging a lawyer is often a lengthy and costly process.
Through a partner law firm, full-time and part-time St. Clair College students have access to a legal consultation service to consult a duly certified lawyer regarding any legal question. Students can also seek legal representation within their province of study, when their case qualifies for further counsel. Program services are provided by members in good standing of the Law Society of Ontario.
LEGAL CONSULTATION:
The legal consultation service provides quick access to legal counselling on any area of law. This includes:
- Virtual, phone, or in-person meeting with a lawyer
- Legal research
- Document analysis: contracts, formal notices, procedures, etc.
- Interpretation of laws and jurisprudence in relation to the student’s situation
- Legal advice on the student’s situation
- Explanation of legal concepts
- Sharing legal information
- Case follow-up with the law firm, and more
LEGAL REPRESENTATION
A lawyer will take charge of proceedings related to the following areas of law:
Housing Disputes
Legal expenses arising from a dispute over a housing lease, such as a disputed rent increase, an illegal eviction, or a breach of a condition in the lease.
Employment Disputes
Legal fees related to a dispute relating to a current or future contract of employment, with respect to labour standards for grievances not covered by a union or a government agency. However, the Program does not include legal fees if the student is eligible for legal representation services provided by a government agency. Occupational health and safety disputes are not included in legal representation services.
Disputes with an Academic Institution
A student’s legal expenses in the event of a dispute with their academic institution. This excludes cases related to sexual misconduct or a criminal act.
Public Notaries
Members who require commissioning services can arrange for virtual meetings to commission affidavits. Notarizing services are also offered. To benefit from the commissioning and notarizing services, click on the Request Support tile to place a service request, and a meeting will be scheduled with a partner law firm. The services are provided on Wednesdays only, but you can place a request anytime.