Updated Notice About NSLA Services

 

 

 

 

April 1, 2020

 

Dear NSLA Clients, Applicants, Community Partners & Stakeholders:

RE:  NOVA SCOTIA LEGAL AID SERVICES

As a result of enhanced directives from the Province of Nova Scotia and the state of emergency, Nova Scotia Legal Aid (NSLA) Offices are now closed to the public. We are providing the updated information below to assist you with contacting our offices, or in referring Nova Scotians to our service.

General Information

• Although NSLA Offices are closed to the public, as an essential service, we will continue to help Nova Scotians who require our services.
• Although our physical offices are closed, staff are working remotely, and office main lines are operational. NSLA Offices can be reached by telephone, or email. A list of offices can be found at https://www.nslegalaid.ca/legal-aid-offices/
• Voicemail and email accounts will be regularly monitored.
• NSLA Offices will not be regularly staffed so please do not send anything via fax.
• If a Legal Aid client has an upcoming court matter, they should contact their lawyer regarding their court date if they have not already heard from them.
• All outreach into communities by NSLA staff will be suspended until further notice.
• Please be patient when contacting NSLA and expect delays in receiving a response to telephone calls, emails or an application. As a result of changes in service due to COVID-19, there will be a large increase in the volume of calls, emails and online applications which staff must handle.

Appointments & Applying for Legal Aid

• If an individual has an appointment at a NSLA Office, they should call the office so other arrangements can be made. Appointments with NSLA may be held by telephone or video if possible.
• Applicants for legal aid services can apply online at https://www.nslegalaid.ca/online-application/. Until April 6, 2020, NSLA Offices will only be processing applications for urgent matters. With an expected increase in the volume of online applications, we ask applicants to please be patient in waiting to hear from NSLA regarding their application.

Criminal Law Matters (Adult & Youth)

• The Provincial Court and the Youth Justice Court are hearing urgent and essential matters only. On March 31, 2020, the Chief Judge directed that all in-custody trials and preliminary inquiries in both courts scheduled up until May 31 be adjourned. Details and new court dates can be found at: https://www.courts.ns.ca/News_of_Courts/documents/NSPC_Consolidated_Directive_COVID19_03_31_20.pdf
• Updates regarding the status of all courts can be found on the NS Courts website at: https://www.courts.ns.ca/News_of_Courts/COVID19_Preventative_Measures.htm
• If an individual does not have a lawyer, NSLA Duty Counsel may be able to assist and the individual should call their local NSLA Office.
• If an individual does not have a lawyer and has a Provincial Court date in Halifax or Dartmouth, they can obtain further information and assistance by filling out the form on our website at https://www.nslegalaid.ca/need-help-adjourning-a-halifax-or-dartmouth-provincial-court-date
• NSLA will assist any unrepresented people who need urgent changes to their Undertaking or Recognizance. Rather than attend a courthouse, contact the NSLA Office nearest the Court from which released. In HRM, complete this simple webform to get Duty Counsel assistance: https://www.nslegalaid.ca/online-adjournment-form/ or call the office.
• Telephone Duty Counsel will continue to be available 24/7 for individuals arrested or detained by police. Individuals who are in custody and wish to access this service should advise the detaining officer.

Family Law Matters

• Updates regarding the status of all courts can be found on the NS Courts website at: https://www.courts.ns.ca/News_of_Courts/COVID19_Preventative_Measures.htm
• NSLA is continuing to provide family summary advice services at all Courthouses through scheduled telephone appointments. This service is available to Nova Scotians who do not qualify financially for legal aid.
• NSLA has expanded its family summary advice services by making it available by telephone at all Legal Aid Offices that provide family law services.  Details: https://www.nslegalaid.ca/expansion-of-family-law-summary-advice-and-online-chats/
• Online chats with a lawyer for family matters will continue and an extra day has been added. Family law chats are now being held every Tuesday and Thursday from 3-5 pm. Click on the chat button on our website to start https://www.nslegalaid.ca/

Social Justice (Income & Housing Matters)

• Social Justice services are still available. NSLA offers legal advice and possibly full-service representation for income and housing matters. Contact local NSLA Office to apply.
• Online chats with a lawyer for social justice matters will continue. Online chats for income and  housing issues are held every Wednesday from 3-5 pm. Click on the chat button on our website to start https://www.nslegalaid.ca/

Prison Law Services

• Prison law services are still available.
• NSLA helps Nova Scotians who are serving sentences or remanded in custody pending trial with a range of legal issues. Details and contact information can be found here:   https://www.nslegalaid.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Brochure-Prison-Law.pdf

We appreciate your patience and cooperation during this time.

Yours sincerely,

Megan Longley

Megan Longley, QC
Chief Executive Officer