Connect Legal fosters entrepreneurship in the immigrant community by providing educational and pro bono (free) legal services.

Pro Bono (Free) Lawyer Matching Service

Connect Legal matches eligible applicants with volunteer lawyers to meet a specific legal need. See below for more details on eligibility.

A full range of commercial law services is offered including:

• advice regarding structuring a new business

• drafting formation documents, partnership agreements, employment contracts

• drafting, reviewing and/or negotiating contracts such as leases, loan documents, franchise agreements and vendor agreements

• advice regarding the protection and licensing of intellectual property and assisting with related contracts or filings

• obtaining necessary business permits and licenses

• advice regarding land use and zoning

Legal services are delivered free of cost; however, eligible business owners must pay for any filing fees or administrative costs.

Since Connect Legal is intended to foster the growth of new businesses, it does not provide services in connection with non-commercial, litigation or insolvency matters.

Elibility Criteria

Referring Partners

Legal Education Services

Connect Legal offers educational seminars and events to inform low-resource immigrant business owners (and others working with them) of legal issues involved in launching and running a business. Educational services are provided through in-house workshops, public speaking events, teaching engagements, and our resource library.

The following topics are presented at lectures and workshops:

• sole-proprietorship, partnership, or corporation: choosing the right corporate structure

• legal implications of equity investments vs. borrowing

• understanding contracts including commercial leases, franchise agreements

• licensing agreements and other intellectual property issues

• employment issues

• understanding regulations and zoning that apply to your business.

For a list of upcoming educational events click here. If your organization would like to host an educational event or if you are a lawyer and would like to participate in an educational event, please contact Connect Legal at info@connectlegal.ca