U of M Community Law Centre
The University of Manitoba Community Law Centre has been part of LAM since 1972. The office primarily handles summary conviction offences. In addition, it may provide assistance for Highway Traffic Act offences, small claims cases that involve consumer problems and individual disputes with Manitoba Public Insurance.
The Centre is staffed by 50-100 second and third year law students who volunteer their time. Although students have primary responsibility for their file, they are supervised by a LAM staff lawyer. Members of the faculty and other Legal Aid staff are available to provide information or advice when matters require special expertise. The students operate under the authority of Section 21 of The Legal Professions Act and are registered with The Law Society of Manitoba.
The Centre provides an important training function. Students refine their interviewing techniques, issue identification, problem solving, and negotiation and litigation skills.
A Manitoba Law Foundation annual grant is the primary funding source.
It is a cost-effective service. With most of the labour donated, the cost per person assisted is less than $100.00.
If you wish to find out if you qualify for this assistance, you can phone the Centre at 1-833-502-0022.
The U of M Community Law Centre is supported by a grant from the Manitoba Law Foundation.
