Need legal advice? Quebecers will have access to free consultations on April 26 and 27, 2025
The Young Bar of Montreal launches its 44th Call-in Legal Clinic:

Montreal, April 10, 2025 - The Young Bar of Montreal (YBM) is proud to announce the 44th edition of its Call-in Legal Clinic, which will take place on Saturday, April 26, and Sunday, April 27, 2025, from 9 AM to 4 PM. This long-standing event will allow Quebec citizens to receive free legal advice from volunteer lawyers and notaries.

During the last edition, nearly 1,800 individuals were helped through this initiative, highlighting its impact and relevance in improving access to justice in Quebec.

This initiative is part of a series of services established by the YBM to address the growing legal needs of the population, in partnership with the Barreau du Québec, the Centre d’accès à l’information juridique (CAIJ), Norton Rose Fulbright, as well as with the collaboration of the Jeune Barreau de Québec, l'Association canadienne des parajuristes and Justice Pro Bono.

We are pleased to announce that our colleagues from the Young Bar of Brussels will also be organizing their Legal Phone Clinic on the same dates as ours, in Brussels. We are proud to contribute to improving access to justice and to inspire others to do the same.

Legal assistance for Everyday situations

As legal needs continue to grow, volunteer legal professionals will guide the public in navigating complex and sensitive situations, including:

• Labor law: Unjust dismissal, workplace harassment, employee rights.
• Housing law: Issues with landlords, hidden defects, tenant rights.
• Estate management: Inheritance disputes, contesting a will.
• Neighborhood conflicts: Noise complaints, property boundary disputes.
• Youth law: Child protection rights, contesting a decision by the Directorate of Youth Protection (DPJ), understanding children’s rights.
• Criminal and penal law: Parking tickets, probation.
• Condominium law: Disputes between co-owners or with the condo association

Experts addressing current legal concerns

The 44th edition of the Call-in Legal Clinic will also provide legal guidance on various current issues affecting Quebecers, including:

• Rent increases and possible legal recourses: Many tenants are wondering whether they can contest a rent hike they deem excessive.
  • Is your landlord imposing a significant rent increase? Our volunteers can inform you of available legal recourses.
• Immigration and moratorium on certain programs: The Quebec government has announced a moratorium until June 30, 2025, on the Regular Skilled Worker Program and the Graduate Stream of the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ). This suspension affects many international students and skilled workers, raising concerns about their legal status and future options.
  • Are you an international student whose study permit application has been delayed due to the moratorium? Our volunteer lawyers can help you explore your options.
• Family law reform: Bill 56 aims to modernize family law in Quebec by introducing the parental union regime. This reform could have legal implications for couples and families.
  • Would you like to understand how this reform affects your rights in cases of separation or child custody? Our volunteer lawyers can provide clarity.
• Economic consequences of Trump administration policies: The increase in import tariffs is raising concerns for Quebec businesses.
  • Is your business facing additional costs due to these policies? Our volunteer lawyers can guide you toward legal solutions and insights.

Call-in Legal Clinic in a nutshell:

• What:

• Free legal advice for all
• An accessible and anonymous service
• Around 50 volunteer lawyers and notaries

• When: April 26 and 27, from 9 AM to 4 PM
• Where: The public can call 1 (844) 779-623

Quotes

« We are proud to renew our commitment to Quebecers by providing direct access to quality legal advice. Each edition demonstrates how essential this service is in helping citizens better understand their rights and obligations. »

M^e Marie Flambard, President of YBM

« The Barreau du Québec is proud to support this new edition of the YBM’s Call-in Legal Clinic, which has become an essential meeting place between the justice system and Quebec citizens. Justice is a matter of humanity, commitment, and proximity, and one of the keys to improving access to it lies in the solidarity of our various initiatives. I thank the members of the Barreau du Québec who contribute to humanizing the profession by generously provinding legal advice with their fellow citizens. »

M^e Catherine Claveau, bâtonnière of Québec

« The CAIJ is proud to once again support the JBM's Legal Phone Clinic, an essential event that embodies the concrete commitment of our legal community to access to justice. In a context where the demand for personalized legal advice continues to grow, this initiative is particularly meaningful. The CAIJ would like to warmly acknowledge the volunteer lawyers and notaries who, year after year, offer their expertise to the public. On the occasion of this 44th edition, we highlight with admiration the dedication and professionalism of this inspiring new generation of legal professionals. »

Karine Mac Allister, executive director of CAIJ

« Partnering with the Young Bar of Montreal enables us to contribute in a concrete and practical manner to our community,” said M^e Nicolas Labrecque, Managing Partner of the Montreal Office of Norton Rose Fulbright. “We are happy to once again be able to participate in this collective effort to facilitate access to legal support for those of our fellow citizens who need it, reflecting our commitment to assume our leadership role in the Quebec legal community. »

M^e Nicolas Labrecque, Managing Partner of Norton Rose Fulbright, Montreal Office

About YBM

Founded in 1898, the YBM represents lawyers with ten years or less of practice in Montreal, totaling nearly 6,000 members. As such, it is one of the largest young lawyer associations in the world for a single city. Its mission is twofold: to defend and promote the interests of its members while providing free legal consultation and information services to various segments of the population. It also organizes charitable activities to enhance access to justice and contribute to collective well-being. In recognition of its remarkable efforts, the YBM was awarded the Lieutenant Governor’s Medal for Exceptional Merit in August 2021, honoring its members’ continuous dedication to societal well-being. To learn more about our public services, visit the Public Services section on our website: http://ajbm.qc.ca.

Press Contacts:

Megan Rivas-Gagnon | 514 691-4376 | [email protected]

Source:  Young Bar of Montreal

Christina Solodukhin | 514 954-6936 | [email protected] |

Communications and Public Relations Manager