New process for counsel in-court certificate applications

Published: October 9, 2018

Starting October 10, 2018 LAO will allow lawyers to make same‑day legal aid applications for clients who are in custody and in court.

To apply, you must be in court and ready to move ahead with a meaningful appearance like a bail hearing or resolution.

If your local court already has a similar process, you can continue to use it. Your clients can still apply for legal aid on remand, if they prefer.

The new process will be available at courts where there is an LAO staff person who can decide if a client is eligible for a legal aid certificate. Later, it will also be offered at all other locations.