Free NorthLaw Prediction Tools
These tools are permanently free because the people who use them are the ones who need help the most. No account required.
RAD Refugee Appeals Predictor
Predict refugee appeal outcomes at the Refugee Appeal Division. Trained on 12,660 RAD decisions. AUC 0.928.
Free
SST Disability & Benefits Appeals
Predict outcomes at the Social Security Tribunal for CPP Disability, OAS, and EI appeals. Trained on 13,727 decisions. AUC 0.872.
Free
Federal Court Judicial Review Predictor
Predict judicial review outcomes at Federal Court. Immigration, PRRA, visa, and H&C applications. Trained on 23,167 decisions. AUC 0.808.
Free
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Safety & Crisis Resources
24/7 hotlines, legal rights, and free confidential support for survivors of sexual abuse, human trafficking, and domestic violence. No account needed.
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Know Your Rights
🚨 In Immediate Danger?
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the Assaulted Women's Helpline at 1-866-863-0511 (24/7). If you need urgent legal help, contact your provincial Legal Aid office.
💼 I Was Fired or Laid Off
- Your employer must provide reasonable notice or pay in lieu of notice
- Minimum notice under the Employment Standards Act ranges from 1 week (under 1 year) to 8 weeks (8+ years)
- Common law notice is often much higher — typically 1 month per year of service as a starting point
- Do NOT sign a severance offer immediately — you typically have time to review
- You may be entitled to severance pay (separate from notice) if you have 5+ years and employer has $2.5M+ payroll (Ontario)
🌎 I'm Claiming Refugee Status
- You have the right to make a refugee claim at a port of entry or inland at an IRCC office
- You will be referred to the RPD (Refugee Protection Division) for a hearing
- If refused, you can appeal to the RAD (Refugee Appeal Division) within 15 days
- You have the right to an interpreter and can request legal aid for representation
- Country conditions evidence and corroborating documents significantly strengthen your claim
🏠 I Was Denied Disability Benefits
- CPP Disability requires your condition to be both "severe" and "prolonged"
- You can request a reconsideration within 90 days of the decision
- If denied again, you can appeal to the Social Security Tribunal General Division
- Medical evidence from your treating physicians is the most important factor
- The test considers your age, education, language ability, and work experience (Villani factors)
⚖ I'm Facing Deportation / Visa Refused
- You may apply for judicial review at Federal Court within strict time limits (usually 15-30 days)
- You need leave (permission) from the Court before your case can be heard
- The Court reviews whether the officer's decision was "reasonable" under the Vavilov framework
- You may be eligible for a stay of removal while your case is pending
- H&C applications can be made based on hardship, best interests of children, and establishment in Canada
👪 Family Law — Custody & Support
- The best interests of the child is the only consideration in custody decisions
- Both parents have equal rights to seek custody unless there is a court order
- Child support is calculated using the Federal Child Support Guidelines based on income and number of children
- Spousal support depends on length of relationship, roles during marriage, and economic impact of separation
- You can apply for a court fee waiver if you cannot afford filing fees
🔓 Criminal Charges in Canada — Your Rights
- Under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, you have the right to remain silent (s.7) and to speak to a lawyer immediately (Charter s.10(b))
- You have the right to be tried within a reasonable time (s.11(b) — 18 months for provincial court, 30 months for superior court)
- You are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt
- The Crown must disclose all relevant evidence to you (R. v. Stinchcombe, a landmark Supreme Court of Canada decision)
- Duty counsel is available at most courthouses at no cost for your first appearance
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Find a Lawyer
Search free referral services, legal aid, pro bono programs, and specialized clinics across Canada. Filter by province and practice area.
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Legal Aid by Province
Each province has its own Legal Aid program with different eligibility criteria. Financial eligibility is based on household income and family size.
Court Fee Waivers
If you cannot afford court filing fees, you can apply for a fee waiver. Each province has its own process.
💰 Ontario Fee Waiver
Complete Form 4E (Fee Waiver Request). You must demonstrate financial hardship. The court can waive filing fees, motion fees, and trial fees. Available for all civil proceedings in Superior Court and Small Claims Court. You need to provide proof of income (tax return, pay stubs, or social assistance confirmation).
Ontario Court Fees →
💰 BC Fee Waiver
In BC, you can apply for indigent status under the Supreme Court Civil Rules. The application is made by affidavit showing your financial situation. If granted, filing fees and hearing fees are waived. Small Claims Court also offers fee waivers for those on income assistance.
BC Courts Info →
💰 Alberta Fee Waiver
Alberta courts allow fee exemptions for people receiving AISH, income support, or who can demonstrate inability to pay. Contact the court clerk to request a fee exemption form before filing.
Alberta Court Fees →
💰 Federal Court Fee Waiver
The Federal Court can waive the $50 filing fee for judicial review applications. File a written request with an affidavit of financial circumstances. Immigration and refugee matters are most commonly granted fee waivers.
Federal Court →
Duty Counsel & Walk-In Legal Help
Duty counsel are lawyers available at courthouses to provide free legal advice on the day of your court appearance. No appointment needed.
Criminal Duty Counsel
Available at every criminal courthouse in Ontario for your first appearance. They can help you understand the charges, request an adjournment, or enter a plea. No income test required.
Family Duty Counsel
Available at most Family Court locations. They help with urgent motions, consent orders, and can explain custody, access, and support issues. Financial eligibility applies (check Legal Aid).
Immigration Duty Counsel
Available at IRB hearing centres for refugee claimants. Refugee legal aid clinics also provide duty counsel at detention reviews and admissibility hearings. Contact your local refugee clinic for details.
Refugee & Immigration Legal Clinics
Specialized legal clinics offering free representation and advice to refugees and immigrants across Canada.
Refugee Law Office (Toronto)
Legal Aid Ontario clinic providing free legal representation to refugee claimants in the Greater Toronto Area.
Contact →
Centre for Refugee Studies (York)
Research and community support for refugees. Connects claimants with legal resources and settlement services.
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South Asian Legal Clinic (ON)
Free legal services for low-income South Asian communities in immigration, refugee, and human rights matters.
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Action Refugees Montreal
Support for refugee claimants in Quebec including legal accompaniment, orientation, and settlement assistance.
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BC Refugee Hub
Coordination of refugee services in British Columbia including legal referrals, housing, and language support.
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Canadian Centre for Gender & Sexual Diversity
Support for LGBTQ+ refugees including legal referrals and documentation assistance for SOGIESC-based claims.
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Free Legal Resources & Organizations
CLEO (Community Legal Education Ontario)
Plain-language legal information on family law, housing, employment, immigration, and more.
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Pro Bono Ontario
Free legal advice clinics, hotline, and representation for people who cannot afford a lawyer.
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JusticeNet
Connects people of modest means with lawyers offering reduced-fee legal services.
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Steps to Justice
Step-by-step guides for common legal problems in Ontario including housing, family, and employment.
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Self-Help Guides
Step-by-step guides for common legal situations. These are starting points — for complex matters, consult a lawyer.
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Do I Need a Lawyer?
Answer 5 quick questions and get a personalized assessment based on data from thousands of real Canadian court decisions. Includes success rates, risk level, and free resources for your province.
Start Assessment →
I Was Wrongfully Terminated
Step 1: Do NOT sign anything immediately. You have time.
Step 2: Review your employment contract for termination clauses.
Step 3: Calculate your minimum entitlements under the ESA.
Step 4: Consider common law reasonable notice (usually higher than ESA).
Step 5: Use NorthLaw's free calculator to estimate your entitlements.
Step 6: Consult a lawyer before accepting or signing a release.
Step 2: Review your employment contract for termination clauses.
Step 3: Calculate your minimum entitlements under the ESA.
Step 4: Consider common law reasonable notice (usually higher than ESA).
Step 5: Use NorthLaw's free calculator to estimate your entitlements.
Step 6: Consult a lawyer before accepting or signing a release.
My Refugee Claim Was Refused
Step 1: Note the deadline — you have 15 days to file an appeal to the RAD.
Step 2: Obtain the RPD's written reasons for refusal.
Step 3: Identify the grounds: credibility, evidence gaps, or legal errors.
Step 4: Gather any new evidence that addresses the RPD's concerns.
Step 5: Contact a refugee legal aid clinic for representation.
Step 6: Use NorthLaw's free tool to understand your appeal chances.
Check Appeal Chances →
Step 2: Obtain the RPD's written reasons for refusal.
Step 3: Identify the grounds: credibility, evidence gaps, or legal errors.
Step 4: Gather any new evidence that addresses the RPD's concerns.
Step 5: Contact a refugee legal aid clinic for representation.
Step 6: Use NorthLaw's free tool to understand your appeal chances.
My Disability Benefits Were Denied
Step 1: Request a reconsideration within 90 days.
Step 2: Get updated medical reports from your treating doctors.
Step 3: Document how your condition prevents regular gainful work.
Step 4: If reconsideration is denied, appeal to the SST General Division.
Step 5: The test is "severe and prolonged" — focus on both elements.
Step 6: Use NorthLaw's free tool to assess your appeal likelihood.
Check Appeal Chances →
Step 2: Get updated medical reports from your treating doctors.
Step 3: Document how your condition prevents regular gainful work.
Step 4: If reconsideration is denied, appeal to the SST General Division.
Step 5: The test is "severe and prolonged" — focus on both elements.
Step 6: Use NorthLaw's free tool to assess your appeal likelihood.
My Visa Was Refused
Step 1: Request the officer's notes (GCMS notes) through an ATIP request.
Step 2: Identify the refusal reasons — usually ties to Canada, financial support, or travel history.
Step 3: You can apply for judicial review at Federal Court within 15 days (immigration) or 30 days (citizenship).
Step 4: Consider reapplying with stronger documentation if JR is not viable.
Step 5: Use NorthLaw's free tool to understand judicial review outcomes.
Check JR Chances →
Step 2: Identify the refusal reasons — usually ties to Canada, financial support, or travel history.
Step 3: You can apply for judicial review at Federal Court within 15 days (immigration) or 30 days (citizenship).
Step 4: Consider reapplying with stronger documentation if JR is not viable.
Step 5: Use NorthLaw's free tool to understand judicial review outcomes.
Data-Driven Insights
Real statistics from NorthLaw's analysis of millions of Canadian court decisions. Knowledge is power.
24.9%
ONCA Appeal Allow Rate
37%
Federal Court JR Grant Rate
~35%
RAD Appeal Allow Rate
~21%
Self-Rep Success (ONCA)
📊 Self-Represented vs Lawyer
At the Ontario Court of Appeal, self-represented appellants succeed approximately 21% of the time, compared to 28.3% for represented appellants. That's a 7-point gap. Representation matters — but even without a lawyer, one in five appeals succeeds.
📊 Refugee Appeal Timelines
The average RAD appeal takes 4-6 months from filing to decision. Credibility is the most common reason for refusal. Claims with strong country condition evidence and consistent testimony have the highest success rates.
📊 Wrongful Dismissal Notice Periods
Common law notice periods in Ontario average 1 month per year of service as a rough starting point, but can range from 2 weeks to 26 months depending on age, position, length of service, and availability of similar employment (Bardal factors).
📊 CPP Disability Approval Rates
Approximately 60% of initial CPP Disability applications are denied. However, about 50% of appeals to the SST General Division succeed. Strong medical evidence from treating physicians is the single most important factor.
📊 Do I Need a Lawyer?
Data shows representation matters, but the gap varies by court. At ONCA, the difference is 7 percentage points (21% vs 28%). At the RAD, many successful appellants are represented by legal aid lawyers or consultants. For wrongful dismissal, consulting a lawyer typically results in 2-4x higher settlements than accepting the initial offer. If you qualify for legal aid, always apply — it's free.
📊 IRB Refugee Claim Acceptance by Region
Acceptance rates vary significantly by country of origin. Claims from countries with well-documented human rights abuses (e.g. Eritrea, Syria, Afghanistan) have higher acceptance rates. Claims from countries with mixed conditions require stronger individual evidence. Country condition documentation from UNHCR, Human Rights Watch, and Amnesty International significantly strengthens claims.