Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) is a publicly-funded, non-profit corporation operating in the Province of Ontario. Its mandate is to provide high-quality legal aid services in English and French to financially eligible low-income residents of the province.
Key areas of service include criminal law, family law, immigration & refugee law, mental-health legal issues, and civil matters handled through legal clinics.

Some of the main service channels and features:

A toll-free phone line offering summary legal advice and general legal information for family and criminal matters.
Duty counsel lawyers and paralegals who assist in court for eligible clients who do not have a private lawyer.
Legal certificates: for clients who qualify, LAO can issue a certificate which allows a private lawyer (who accepts legal-aid work) to represent the client.
Community legal clinics: LAO funds a network of independent clinics across Ontario that handle legal issues for disadvantaged or low-income groups, especially in areas like housing, employment, social assistance.
Online tools and service-finder: Helps users identify what services they may qualify for, locate offices or clinics, apply online or by phone.

Strengths & practical usefulness
For newcomers to Ontario or low-income residents, LAO represents a key gateway into the justice system. Its multi-channel access (phone, web, in-person), bilingual service, and clear eligibility pathways enhance accessibility. The Service Finder and online application streamline help-seeking. The fact that it covers multiple legal domains (not just criminal law) makes it broadly useful.
Limitations & considerations

Clients must meet financial eligibility and the legal issue must be one that LAO covers. Not all legal matters are eligible for full representation.
Although many services are free or subsidised, clients may be required to repay part of the cost under a “contribution agreement” depending on income/assets.
The scope is for Ontario only: users in other provinces must refer to respective local legal-aid agencies.
While LAO offers many resources online, it is not a full substitute for private legal advice tailored to complex individual cases — eligibility and coverage still have to be assessed.