Halifax Duty Counsel Office – Halifax, NS

Immediate Legal Assistance at Court

The Halifax Duty Counsel Office, operated by Nova Scotia Legal Aid, is a critical component of the justice system in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Duty Counsel lawyers are often the first point of contact for individuals appearing in court without a lawyer. They provide immediate, free legal advice and assistance to ensure that no one is forced to navigate the complex court process alone, regardless of their ability to pay.

Services Provided

Duty Counsel services are distinct from applying for a full-service legal aid certificate. These lawyers are stationed directly at the courthouses or available by phone to assist with immediate procedural steps. Their goal is to protect your rights during your initial interactions with the justice system.

• Criminal Defence: Assisting adults and youth in custody with bail hearings, entering pleas, and understanding the charges against them.
• Family Law: Providing summary advice in the Supreme Court (Family Division) regarding custody, access, and child support matters.
• Advice and Information: Explaining court procedures, potential defences, and the consequences of a guilty plea.
• Referrals: helping clients connect with full-service Legal Aid offices or private counsel if the case requires ongoing representation.

Access to Justice for All

Nova Scotia Legal Aid is committed to the principle that justice should be accessible to everyone. The Duty Counsel office ensures that you have a voice in the courtroom. In addition to in-person services, they offer 24/7 telephone advice for individuals who have been arrested or detained by police (often referred to as ‘Brydges’ counsel). If you are facing criminal charges or a family crisis and do not have a lawyer, looking for the Duty Counsel office is your most important first step.

Located in the Bond Building on Spring Garden Road, this office serves as an administrative hub for the lawyers who work daily in the Halifax Provincial and Family Courts.