The right help for the right legal problem
Legal clinics: find help before a deadline becomes a crisis
A rent notice, a benefit refusal and an immigration letter require different kinds of help. Start by identifying the issue and the deadline—not by assuming that every lawyer or clinic handles everything.
Reviewed 7 September 2026 · Durham Region, Ontario
Separate housing and benefit problems from immigration cases
The Durham Community Legal Clinic provides free legal services for low-income Durham residents. Its published walk-in advice areas include tenant rights, Ontario Works and ODSP. Contact the clinic at 905-728-7321 to check whether your issue and circumstances fit its services and to confirm current intake arrangements.
Do not assume that a community legal clinic can conduct a refugee claim, family case or immigration appeal. Legal Aid Ontario can assess applications for legal aid; call 1-800-668-8258 for the applicable route. Assistance depends on the matter and eligibility, not simply on being new to Canada.
Prepare a short case summary
Put the most recent notice or decision first. Record when you received it, any hearing or response date, and what result you are seeking. Keep the envelope, emails and attachments as well as the main letter. A one-page timeline is more useful at intake than an unlabelled collection of screenshots.
For a housing issue, organize the tenancy agreement, payment records and relevant messages. For a benefits dispute, organize the decision and requests for information. Ask the clinic what it wants to see before sending sensitive documents. If you cannot understand the notice, say so immediately and request language assistance.
Use the lawyer directory for an immigration matter
Our listings for Adekola Olawoye — Pillarstone Law and Alexander Schram — Creighton Law describe published immigration services, including refugee-related work. Read the individual listing to judge relevance, then ask whether the lawyer is taking the specific type of case you have. A directory listing is not a booking or a guarantee of availability.
Ask about the consultation fee, who will handle the file, what work the proposed fee includes, and whether legal aid certificates are accepted for your matter. Do not treat a listed private lawyer as a free clinic. Request a written explanation of the services and fees before retaining someone.
When more than one problem is happening
An eviction risk may exist alongside an immigration issue. Keep each deadline visible and tell each professional that another proceeding is involved. A settlement worker can help you locate services and arrange practical support, but should not be asked to replace legal advice about a proceeding.
If your immediate difficulty is keeping a roof over your head, Housing Help Durham — CDCD is a related navigation resource—not the legal representative for your case. Pair housing assistance with the appropriate legal intake instead of waiting for one service to solve both problems.
Put this guide into action
Relevant contacts in our directory
Adekola Olawoye — Pillarstone Law
Immigration-lawyer listing; ask about your specific matter, fees and legal-aid acceptance.
info@pillarstonelaw.caAlexander Schram — Creighton Law
Immigration-lawyer listing; confirm current scope and availability.
reception@durhamlawyers.caPublic business emails are for routine enquiries, not emergency assistance. Confirm intake, eligibility and fees with the provider.
Sources and further help
This independent guide helps you find services; it does not replace professional advice or an individual eligibility assessment. Report a correction.