By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The Barreau du Québec recently announced promising results from its first year of operating a free, year-round legal clinic aimed at enhancing access to justice across Quebec. The clinic, which has established offices in Sherbrooke, Gatineau, Montreal, and Quebec City, was designed to provide free legal consultations to Quebec residents over the age of 18.

In an interview on Nov. 4, Executive Director Catherine Ouimet shared insights into the clinic’s operations and the impact it has had so far, noting that the initiative has already seen a positive response from the community. “Our capacity is 5,000 people during a year,” Ouimet explained, though the clinic fell short of this figure due to a brief summer closure. “Last year, we were open but had a summer break, so we weren’t able to see as many people as we wished,” she added. Nevertheless, the clinic successfully assisted 2,600 individuals, achieving a 96 per cent satisfaction rate.

The clinic offers services in both French and English, with bilingual consultations available in person or via videoconference. “It’s really accessible so they can always turn to our service,” Ouimet emphasized, explaining that the clinics operate at Quebec’s four bar schools, where students provide legal guidance under the supervision of experienced lawyers. The model allows clients to receive high-quality legal assistance at no cost. “All the work that they do is revised and approved by experienced lawyers,” Ouimet noted, assuring the reliability of the information provided.

One of the clinic’s primary goals is to address an evident gap in access to legal services, particularly for those who may not be able to afford traditional legal representation. “53 per cent of the people wouldn’t have consulted a lawyer if they didn’t have an appointment,” Ouimet revealed, highlighting the crucial role that the clinic plays in providing accessible legal support. The availability of services at various times of the day, including evenings, further enhances its reach to diverse client groups across Quebec.

Ouimet shared specific examples of issues the clinic frequently handles, including family law cases involving grandparents seeking visitation rights with their grandchildren. In civil matters, many inquiries stem from consumer rights disputes, such as issues with faulty appliances. “Mainly, it’s questions that are really close to the citizens, close to real life,” Ouimet explained. She also pointed out that renters facing disputes with landlords often turn to the clinic to understand their rights, especially when facing eviction threats or other housing challenges.

The clinic follows a structured process, beginning with an initial appointment where clients meet with law students to discuss their legal concerns. The students, who are in training, help clarify the issues and determine the scope of assistance required, which may range from general legal advice to preparing tribunal documents or guiding clients on how to represent themselves in court. Two weeks later, a follow-up appointment is held, during which the students present their findings and explain any necessary legal procedures or documents prepared for the client. “We offer full service except for representation in front of the court,” Ouimet clarified, making it clear that while clients can receive extensive support, they must represent themselves if court appearances are necessary.

The clinic’s bilingual website facilitates easy access for clients, allowing them to book appointments online. Ouimet emphasized that this online platform enables the clinic to reach a broader audience and ensure that more people are aware of the services available to them. “Maybe someone doesn’t have a legal problem right away now, but maybe in the future they will, and we want them to remember that there’s a clinic,” she explained, stressing the importance of having a reliable resource that people can turn to for various legal issues.

By offering no-cost consultations in critical areas like family, civil, and administrative law, the clinic has become a vital service for Quebec’s residents, especially for those who may not have the means to pay for legal support. “It’s free and it’s really accessible,” Ouimet reiterated. As the Barreau du Québec continues to work toward expanding the clinic’s reach, Ouimet expressed optimism that it will ultimately help bridge gaps in legal access for thousands more across the province.

Find out more on the Barreau’s website: www.barreau.qc.ca