You are not required to have a lawyer represent you in any court case. However, it may be a good idea to either have a lawyer represent you, or to consult with a lawyer before going to court. This is especially important if your case is serious or complicated or involves criminal charges.   

Duty counsel

Duty counsel<p><span lang="EN-US">A lawyer paid by Legal Aid BC who can provide free legal advice and representation at a first court appearance and at a bail hearing, but not usually at trial.</span><span>&nbsp;</span></p> are lawyers in private practice who are paid by Legal Aid BC to give legal advice to people in some criminal, family and child protection<p><span lang="EN-US">The area of law dealing with the safety and well-being of children and governed by BC’s </span><span lang="EN-US">Child, Family and Community Service Act </span><span lang="EN-US">or Indigenous child protection laws</span><span lang="EN-US">.</span><span>&nbsp;</span></p> matters. Duty counsel provide legal advice early in court proceedings when you do not have a lawyer. 

Duty counsel lawyers for family law matters (Legal Aid BC)

Duty counsel lawyers for criminal matters (Legal Aid BC)

Legal Aid BC is a non-profit organization providing legal information, advice and lawyers for people with low incomes.  You can phone to find out if you qualify for legal aid<p><span lang="EN-US">Free legal information, advice and representation for people who cannot afford a lawyer and who qualify for the services. Provided by Legal Aid BC.&nbsp;</span><span>&nbsp;</span></p> services. Telephone interpreters can be arranged for people who do not speak English. 

You may qualify for free legal advice for some family law issues over the phone (Family LawLine) even if you do not qualify for a legal aid lawyer. People under 18 charged with criminal offences also have special eligibility for legal aid. 

How to apply for legal aid (Legal Aid BC) 

Other resources

Lawyers may provide unbundled legal services which means they help you with part of your legal problem and you handle the rest of the case yourself. For example, the lawyer may assist with legal research or preparing documents but may not attend court with you.

BC Family Law Unbundling Roster (Courthouse Libraries BC) 

BC Family Law Unbundling Toolkit (Courthouse Libraries BC) 

Accessible legal services to self-identified women and gender diverse (Rise Women’s Legal Centre)