Access to justice and the opportunity to be represented by a lawyer are essential to a justice system that is available to everyone in the community. The legal aid program in Nelson and the West Kootenays is run by the Legal Services Society. If you click on the link, you will be directed to a website that lists the Nelson office to apply for legal aid in the West Kootenays.

Nelson Cares' Advocacy Centre is another useful resource to find information on all types of legal issues.

Access Pro Bono is a further source of free legal assistance that covers various areas of the law.

There is a rich tradition of lawyers assisting low income clients on a pro bono basis, through legal aid certificates and at reduced rates. The philosophy of this office is to continue that tradition as much as possible.