Aptly named for its 519 Church Street address, The 519 is a community centre located in the heart of the Church-Wellesley Village in Toronto. In addition to serving the local neighbourhood and 2SLGBTQ+ community in Toronto through community programming and support services, The 519 Legal Clinic provides free legal information and legal advice in an accessible and inclusive setting.
In collaboration with lawyers acting pro bono and law students through Pro Bono Students Canada, The 519 Legal Advice Clinic provides free one-time legal advice to 2SLGBTQ+ individuals virtually or over the phone in criminal law, employment law, family law, housing law (for tenants), immigration and refugee law, wills and estates, general advice, and more.
The new Gender Affirming Care Legal Support Clinic, which launched on June 5th this year, runs the first Wednesday of every month and assists folks with issues related to navigating and obtaining gender affirming care.
The Trans ID Clinic, in partnership with McCarthy Tetrault LLP, runs on the second Monday of each month and assists 2 Spirit, trans, non-binary folks, and allies interested in learning more about the name and gender marker change processes and provides assistance with forms and applications.
Other programs include the Notary and Affidavit Clinic which provides commissioning services for affidavits, the Mock Hearing Program which assists 2SLGBTQ+ refugee claimants prepare for Immigration and Refugee Board hearings, and the Human Rights Law Clinic for folks who have experienced discrimination based on their sexuality, gender identity or expression. More information about The 519’s various legal initiatives and clinics can be found on its website.
I’ve personally had the pleasure of sitting on The 519’s Board of Management since September 2023 and I’ve seen firsthand the difference these programs and services make in our community. We have an access to justice crisis in Ontario and we know that the legal system is most inaccessible to those who are most marginalized. The 519’s work in making the legal system more accessible for our community’s most vulnerable members is critical and increasingly so as queer and trans rights continue to face threats globally.
The 519 is always looking for lawyers to volunteer with its Legal Advice Clinic, particularly in the areas of housing, refugee/immigration, and wills/estates. If interested, please reach out to Chevin Commock, Manager of Legal Initiatives at ccommock@the519.org for more information.
