Legal Access Program

A TABIA & Ontario Bar Association initiative.

Connecting Toronto small businesses with free legal support.

Running a small business means making important decisions every day. Whether you’re signing a lease, bringing on a partner, hiring your first employee, or trying to understand licensing requirements, legal questions can feel overwhelming—and getting professional advice is often out of reach.

Through our partnership with the Ontario Bar Association (OBA), we now offer free legal support for small business owners needing specific legal services.

If you are a small business owner operating in a Toronto BIA and if your business faces financial barriers to obtaining legal advice you may be eligible for free legal support.

Who This Program Is For

You may be eligible if:

✓ Your business faces financial barriers to obtaining legal advice

✓ Your legal issue falls within one of the program’s service areas

✓ Your business is located in a Toronto Business Improvement Area (BIA) (see the map here)

What We Can Help With

Our volunteer lawyers provide limited-scope legal assistance in the following program service areas:

✓ Starting or Structuring a Business

✓ Founder, Partner, and Ownership Agreements

✓ Commercial Lease Review

✓ Employment and Contractor Documents

✓ Licences, Permits, and Regulatory Requirements

Apply Now

How the Process Works

Step 1: Submit an Application

Complete our online intake form by clicking the Apply Now button, and tell us about your business and legal issue.

Step 2: Eligibility Review

TABIA will review your application to confirm eligibility, assess whether the matter fits within the program scope, and determine whether additional information is needed.

For examples of qualifying matters, see the FAQ below, including a list of cases that are not covered through this program.

Step 3: Lawyer Matching

If your application is approved, your matter will be posted through a secure platform (Paladin) operated in partnership with the Ontario Bar Association, where volunteer lawyers can review opportunities that match their expertise.

Step 4: Receive Legal Support

If a lawyer accepts your matter, we will connect you with them directly. They will then provide limited-scope legal assistance focused on your specific issue.

What to Expect

Free Support

There is no cost to apply or receive assistance through this program.

Confidential Process

The information you provide is treated confidentially and shared only as necessary for eligibility review and lawyer matching.

Limited-Scope Assistance

Volunteer lawyers provide help on a specific legal issue rather than ongoing representation.

Not Guaranteed

Because this program relies on volunteer lawyers, assistance is subject to eligibility, conflicts checks, and lawyer availability.

Submitting an application does not guarantee that a lawyer will be available to take your matter.

FAQ

How much does the service cost?

Nothing. The program is provided free of charge to qualifying applicants.

Do I need to be located in a Business Improvement Area (BIA)?

Businesses located within Toronto BIAs are eligible. If you are unsure whether your business is within a BIA, enter your address into the BIA Finder.

What kinds of cases does the program support?

Volunteer lawyers provide limited-scope legal assistance in the following areas:

Starting or Structuring a Business

Examples include:

Choosing between a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation
Incorporating a business
Understanding business ownership structures
Questions about directors, officers, and governance

Founder, Partner, and Ownership Agreements

Examples include:

Starting a business with a co-founder
Creating or reviewing partnership agreements
Shareholder agreements
Clarifying ownership percentages and responsibilities

Commercial Lease Review

Examples include:

Reviewing a lease before signing
Understanding renewal rights and rent provisions
Identifying key risks and obligations
Understanding maintenance and operating-cost responsibilities

Employment and Contractor Documents

Examples include:

Employment agreements
Independent contractor agreements
Workplace policies
Questions about hiring employees versus contractors

Licences, Permits, and Regulatory Requirements

Examples include:

Determining which licences or permits are required
Understanding municipal requirements
Renewing licences or permits
Responding to regulatory inquiries or notices

What types of cases are not eligible?

At this time, the program cannot assist with:

Family law matters
Immigration matters
Criminal matters
Litigation or court proceedings
Lease disputes or landlord-tenant litigation
Complex tax matters
Financing or investment transactions
Ongoing legal representation
Legal emergencies requiring immediate action

Does applying mean I will get a lawyer?

Not necessarily. Applications must first be reviewed for eligibility and suitability. Matching also depends on lawyer availability, relevant expertise, and conflict-of-interest checks.

How long does the process take?

We aim to review applications within approximately three business days. Matching timelines may vary depending on the nature of the legal issue and volunteer lawyer availability.

Can a lawyer represent me in court?

No. This program focuses on specific, limited-scope business legal assistance and does not provide litigation or court representation.

My business is just an idea. Can I still apply?

Yes. Entrepreneurs in the idea, planning, or pre-launch stage are welcome to apply.

Will my information be kept confidential?

Information provided through the intake process will be used only for eligibility assessment, triage, and lawyer matching. Information shared directly with a lawyer will be handled in accordance with the lawyer’s professional confidentiality obligations.

What if my issue does not fit one of the listed categories?

You may still apply. Our team will review your situation and determine whether it can be supported through the program or whether another resource may be more appropriate.

How many hours of free legal assistance will I receive?

Most eligible matters are expected to require approximately four to eight hours of legal assistance. The amount of support provided will depend on the nature and complexity of the matter.

I have already used this program. Can I apply again?

This program does not replace the need for ongoing or long-term legal support. Our goal is to help as many small businesses as possible.

We encourage you to continue working with the lawyer you were previously matched with, where appropriate, or to use the Ontario Bar Association’s Find a Lawyer service to connect with a lawyer for further assistance.

Who can I contact if I have questions about my eligibility?

Please contact TabiaLegalAccess@toronto-bia.com.

Ready to Get Started?

Legal questions shouldn’t stop a great business idea from moving forward.

Apply Now

Questions? Contact us at tabialegalaccess@toronto-bia.com

Legal Disclaimer:

TABIA’s role in the Paladin pro bono program is limited to facilitating connections between eligible participants and lawyers who may be willing to provide pro bono legal assistance. TABIA does not provide legal advice and makes no representations or warranties regarding the nature, quality, suitability, outcome, or effectiveness of any advice or services provided by participating lawyers or law firms.

TABIA does not select the lawyers but connects the applicant with the first lawyer that volunteers through the Paladin platform to take on the matter.

All participating lawyers are licensed by the Law Society of Ontario and are solely responsible for their professional obligations, including conflicts checks, confidentiality, retainer arrangements, legal advice, and compliance with the Rules of Professional Conduct. Further information regarding lawyers’ professional responsibilities is available from the Law Society of Ontario.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, TABIA disclaims and limits liability for any claims arising from or relating to its facilitation role, the matching process, or any legal advice or services provided by participating lawyers or law firms.