Profile
Access to Justice in the Downtown Eastside
The Indigenous Community Legal Clinic (ICLC) is a vital institution located in Vancouver’s historic Downtown Eastside. Established in 1995 as part of the Peter A. Allard School of Law at UBC, the clinic exists to provide high-quality legal services to the Indigenous community while educating the next generation of lawyers. By operating out of a storefront on Alexander Street, rather than a university campus, the ICLC ensures it is accessible and embedded in the community it serves. The clinic prioritizes a decolonizing approach to law, recognizing the unique historical and systemic challenges faced by Indigenous peoples in the Canadian legal system.
Free Legal Services
The ICLC provides pro bono (free) legal representation to self-identifying Indigenous persons who cannot afford a lawyer and qualify for assistance. The clinic handles a wide range of cases under provincial jurisdiction, filling a critical gap in the justice system. Their student clinicians, supervised by experienced staff lawyers, work tirelessly to ensure that every client is heard and represented with dignity.
- Criminal Defence: Representation for summary conviction offences in provincial court.
- Family Law: Assistance with divorce, custody, and child protection matters.
- Civil & Administrative: Help with Indian Day School applications, human rights complaints, and other civil disputes.
Education and Advocacy
More than just a law office, the ICLC is a place of learning and healing. It trains law students to provide culturally safe legal counsel, fostering a new generation of advocates who understand Indigenous legal orders and the reality of settler-colonialism. The clinic also engages in broader advocacy work to reform the justice system and support Indigenous self-determination.
The learning that happens here is reciprocal, engaged, and in many ways focused on decolonizing and Indigenizing approaches to legal work.
Community-Centered Access
Located near Main and Hastings, the clinic is a safe space for community members. While they cannot assist with every matter (such as Supreme Court trials), they are a crucial first stop for anyone seeking to find a lawyer or legal advice in the Indigenous community. Their commitment to social justice and “”law done differently”” makes them a cornerstone of legal aid in Vancouver.
Specializing In
Indigenous Legal Aid, Criminal Defence, Family Law, Administrative Law
Address & Location
148 Alexander Street, Suite 101, Vancouver, BC, V6A 1B5
Building Location
The clinic operates out of a storefront office on Alexander Street in the Gastown/Downtown Eastside area. It is located at the street level for easy accessibility.
Suite Access
The entrance is directly off the street (Suite 101), providing barrier-free access for clients.
Parking Details
Metered street parking is available on Alexander Street and surrounding blocks. There are also several paid parking lots in the Gastown area.
Public Transit
Highly accessible via transit. It is a short walk from major bus routes on Main Street and Hastings Street. The Waterfront Station (SkyTrain and SeaBus) is approximately a 10-15 minute walk away.
Photos
Indigenous Community Legal Clinic – Vancouver, BC
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