Volunteering with VLS

Since 1994, Volunteer Lawyers Service has been receiving requests for legal assistance from nonprofit and charitable groups across Ontario. The majority of these organizations are struggling with basic legal issues and do not have funds for legal counsel.

Organizations must meet eligibility criteria and submit a formal application to VLS. Approved applications are then matched with suitable legal counsel.

Most requests for assistance are straightforward, such as reviewing contracts or leases, revising by-laws, or incorporation. More complex requests may involve employment issues, landlord and tenant matters, charitable registration, or collective bargaining.

VLS also offers educational seminars to nonprofits and charities, in addition to written articles and fact sheets.

VLS is a valuable means of demonstrating to the public that lawyers perform a significant amount of volunteer work. Volunteering through VLS:

• provides an invaluable service to the community
• offers personal and professional enrichment
• generates goodwill for your company/law firm

Current Files

If you are new to VLS and would like to hear more about the types of cases we typically get, please contact us. Once you join the VLS roster, we will contact you when a file matches the area(s) of law you can assist with (as indicated in your application). Files outside of your geographic area can be handled by phone or electronically. We presently have a high demand for by-law review and update.

How to Join the Roster

To join the VLS roster, complete the Application Form found below. We will contact you within a few days to confirm your involvement.

For lawyers who are not currently practicing law you will need to apply for an exemption from the Law Society of Upper Canada (LSUC) and Law Pro. The following is a link to the LSUC application for exemption:

Exemption from Change in Status