Got Questions?
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Whether you are looking for legal info or support as a McGill student – our FAQ covers everything you need to know about the LICM’s free, bilingual services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Legal Information
Can the Clinic provide advice to clients?
The Clinic is run by law students and does not have lawyers on staff. Our caseworkers are law students who have completed at least one year of their civil law degree. Under Québec law, law students are not authorized to provide legal advice, as we are not members of the Bar. We can only offer legal information to help clients better understand their situation and consider potential next steps.
What is the difference between legal information and legal advice?
Legal information explains the law in general terms. We provide explanations on legal procedures, what the law states pertaining to someone’s right as a tenant, employee, customer, etc. Legal advice on the other hand applies the law to a person’s specific situation and can only be given by a licensed lawyer.
Do you have lawyers available at the Clinic?
While we do not have lawyers on staff, we are supported by a Board of Directors made up of former Clinic Directors who provide guidance on the Clinic’s operations and long-term development.
Does the Clinic do all the different types of law?
The Clinic provides information in almost all areas of law except construction law, tax law and criminal law.
What timeline should the clients expect?
Once a client has opened a file and completed their intake, they can expect to receive answers to their legal questions within a minimum of two weeks.
Student Advocacy
Does the Student Advocacy Program provide services to all McGill students?
Yes, our services are available to all currently registered McGill students! This includes students in degree, certificate, clinical, and diploma programs at both graduate and undergraduate levels, on both downtown and MacDonald campuses. In many cases, McGill alumni may also access our services.
Who are Student Advocates?
Student Advocates are upper-year law students at McGill’s Faculty of Law who are trained in written and oral advocacy.
How can I get into contact with Student Advocacy?
You can send an email to info.studentadvocacy@licm.ca with a short description of your issue, or drop by our office in 107-A, University Center, 3480 Rue McTavish, Montreal.
Is Student Advocacy a McGill service?
Student Advocacy is a proud member of the Legal Information Clinic at McGill, which is a non-profit legal clinic operating out of University Center. We are not a McGill University unit and operate independently from the university. As a confidential service, we do not share any information with the University without your consent.
In what situations can Student Advocacy be helpful?
Student Advocacy can provide support wherever McGill policies are implicated. This includes formal proceedings like disciplinary interviews, grievances, graduate failure appeals, OMR investigations under the Policy Against Sexual Violence or Policy on Harassment and Discrimination, or informal dispute resolution. In situations where you have issues with your supervisor or a representative of the University, we can guide you through the process. Importantly, Student Advocacy cannot provide legal advice.
Community Services
What is the Court Accompaniment Program?
Court Accompaniment program is offered to clients (McGill student and community members) who already have a court date set either at the TAL ( Tribunal administratif du logement) or small claims court. The student volunteer will provide moral support and explain the procedures
Can I have my documents commissioned at the Clinic?
Yes, we offer free commissioning services. You can book an appointment through our website.
Is the Know Your Rights presentation open for all?
The KYR presentation is limited to McGill students. However, the Just Info program is open to student groups as well as community organizations.
What does the Just Info session consist of?
Just Info sessions are workshops both in English and French that aim to make the law more accessible by informing participants of their rights and obligations in a simple and useful manner.