Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Pro-Bono Legal Services in Edmonton
Established in 1969, Student Legal Services (SLS) is a pro-bono legal clinic operated by law students at the University of Alberta. For over five decades, we have provided free legal assistance to low-income individuals and undergraduate students in Edmonton, specializing in civil, criminal, family, and human rights law. Our mission emphasizes accessibility to justice, legal education, and reform efforts impacting poverty law. Governed by a board of practicing lawyers and students, SLS maintains a culture of supervised volunteerism, ensuring accurate legal guidance while offering law students hands-on experience.We operate two office locations and employ 28 law students annually during summer months. Our services exclude matters requiring Alberta Court of King's Bench representation. SLS receives funding from the Alberta Law Foundation, University of Alberta Students' Union, and provincial/federal governments. We maintain transparent operations through annual financial audits and community outreach programs.
Services
Civil Law Assistance
Criminal Law Support
Family Law Services
Human Rights Advocacy
Legal Education Programs
Details
- Year established: 1969
Highlights and features
- Over 50 years of experience serving Edmonton's legal needs
- Supervised law student volunteers ensure quality legal assistance
- Specialized services in four core legal practice areas
- Community-focused approach to poverty law issues
- Transparent operations with annual financial audits
Services
Civil Law Assistance
We provide legal information and assistance with landlord-tenant matters, contract disputes, and employment issues. Our services help clients understand their rights and obligations under Alberta law. All cases are handled by supervised law students with extensive training.
Criminal Law Support
Our clinic assists with minor criminal charges including impaired driving, assault, and theft under $5000. We offer legal guidance through Alberta Court of Justice proceedings. Summer walk-in services available with prior appointment scheduling recommended.
Family Law Services
We assist with child and partner support matters, basic parenting applications, and uncontested divorces. Our trained volunteers provide essential legal information while maintaining strict confidentiality. Document preparation assistance available.
Human Rights Advocacy
Our team offers legal support for human rights complaints at the Alberta Human Rights Commission. We represent both complainants and respondents in discrimination cases. Services include procedural guidance and documentation assistance.
Legal Education Programs
We conduct community legal education through presentations and outreach programs. Our initiatives focus on poverty-related law issues and systemic legal reforms. Research materials are available to the public.
Questions
Who qualifies for Student Legal Services?
Low-income adults and University of Alberta undergraduate students facing legal matters within our practice areas qualify for our free services.
What legal areas do you specialize in?
We specialize in civil law, criminal law, family law, and human rights law matters within Alberta's provincial jurisdiction.
How can I book an appointment?
Call our main line at (780) 492-8180 or complete the appropriate contact form to schedule an appointment during operating hours.
Are your services truly free?
Yes, all our legal services are completely free as we operate as a pro-bono student clinic funded through grants and university support.
Do you handle cases in Alberta Court of King's Bench?
No, we cannot assist with matters requiring representation in Alberta Court of King's Bench. Our services are limited to Provincial Court matters.
Can I volunteer with Student Legal Services?
University of Alberta law students can volunteer through our annual application process, receiving comprehensive training and supervision.
Reviews (5)
Enaiyat Ghani Ovy
Feb 06, 2021
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This place is located inside the University of Alberta in an old fashioned cottage or house. The staffs working here are very welcoming. They are definitely doing a great job helping people by providing the right information. My experience was superb when I was there. Students at the university work here under the guidance of professionals. This place is good especially for those who have low income as they provide them free services. To learn more about legal matters, you may come and visit the place. I would definitely recommend this place.
Brian Armstrong
Nov 22, 2020
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Great program for low income people to get some legal advice and if a simple case they might be able to help
Shades Pellar
Aug 10, 2020
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Got some excellent information from Halley just over the phone she really awnsersed all of my questions expertly. I have a learning disability and she had no problem explaining things to me as many times as I needed thank you again!
S. Muirhead
Jun 29, 2019
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This is the absolute best place to go if you are in a "legal limbo." A thousand times better than legal aid. These students are actually passionate about law and justice.
Angella Russell
Jun 29, 2019
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Don't bother calling these guys. It doesn't matter what you ask... Do you need to provide precedents, if the deadline to file is on the weekend do you have until Monday? Procedural stuff. They can't answer. They are useless and a waste of time.
