Downsview Community Legal Services

Access to justice for the underpriviliged community.

Do You Have A Legal Problem? We can help.

Downsview Community Legal Services is a Community Legal clinic providing free legal assistance to underprivileged persons living in our area. 

We are funded by Legal Aid Ontario and governed by a community Board of Directors. The office is staffed by lawyers, paralegals, community legal workers and administrative staff.
What We Do
The mission of Downsview Community Legal Services is to promote access to justice for the underprivileged community. 

To do this we:

  1. Provide free legal advice and representation to individuals in our community
  2. Provide community education and outreach
  3. Engage in law reform activities 
  4. Foster Community Partnerships

Community Education

We help community groups understand the law and their legal rights. We will provide speakers for groups in areas of law within our expertise.


Law Reform

Through involvement in lobbying, test cases, and community organizing we work towards changing laws for the benefit of people who are underprivileged.


Referrals

If you have a legal problem outside of our expertise, we will provide you with other resources.


Domestic Violence

In domestic violence situations we will provide emergency advice and referrals.


Housing Help Clinic

Downsview Community Legal Services in co-operation with Unison Health and Community Services and St.Stephen’s Conflict Mediation Services hosts a Housing Help Clinic on the third Thursday of each month.


The Clinic is held inside the Lawrence Heights community at 12 Flemington Road. The goal of the Housing Clinic is to attempt resolution of landlord and tenant matters before commencing any legal action at the Landlord and Tenant Board.


Satellite Office at Lawrence Heights

We are now providing legal services to the Lawrence Heights Community at the Unison Health and Community Services Lawrence Heights Location.


Please contact DCLS at 416-635-8388 for information or to make an appointment.


We serve the following community

You can become a Board Member…how?

If you are interested in becoming a member of Downsview Community Legal Services, you can contact the office at 416-635-8388  for an application and other information on how to join.


As a member you are entitled to voting privileges at our Annual General Meeting.

HOURS OF OPERATION


Mon - 8:30 to 4:30

Tue - 8:30 to 4:30

Wed - 8:30 to 1:00

Thu - 8:30 to 4:30

Fri - 8:30 to 4:30


The office is closed for lunch between 1 - 2 pm.

CONGRATULATIONS ! 

GRACE PLUCHINO 

for being awarded 

THE SIDNEY B. LINDEN AWARD for exceptional individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to helping low-income Ontarians in the pursuit of access to justice.  

(click to read more)

Affidavit Service

Affidavits are available any day between:

9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Intake Hours

9 am – 4 pm every day except Wednesdays from 9 am – 1 pm.

Our Services

We provide legal advice and assistance in the following areas:

  • Landlord and Tenant
  • Social Assistance (OW & ODSP)
  • Employment Insurance
  • Canada Pension Plan/Old Age Security
  • Some types of Immigration
  • Employment Standards
  • Criminal Injuries Compensation

NOW PRACTISING

  • Workers' Rights
  • Immigration Law
  • Family Law

Contact Us!

540 Finch Avenue West, Unit 132
Toronto, ON M2R 1N7

Phone: (416) 635-8388    
Fax: (416) 635-6471

540 Finch Avenue West


Find us at the North West Corner of Bathurst Street and Finch Avenue inside the Bathurst Finch Hub.


For bus routes please call:

TTC bus routes: (416) 393-4636 or visit www.ttc.ca

540 Finch Avenue West