Rise Women's Legal Centre

A community legal centre providing accessible legal services that are responsive to the unique needs of self-identifying women and gender diverse clients in BC, primarily in the area of family law. Serves economically disadvantaged people who are often caught in the gap between being ineligible for legal aid yet unable to afford legal representation. In addition to serving clients, Rise is a knowledge-based and knowledge-generating organization and works collaboratively with organizations around the province by providing compassionate and trauma-informed legal assistance to clients. Services include teaching law students and social work students; training lawyers and supporting workers on how to assist clients who have experienced family violence in family law matters; conducting research into how family violence is addressed through BC’s Family Law Act (FLA) and family law system, with the goal of seeking to improve the experience of survivors in BC. Clients can access Rise’s services by booking an appointment through the client appointment request form. Clients are also able to access Rise’s guides, which are designed to make family legal information more accessible, through the website, where lawyers, support workers, and students can also access information on learning and mentorship opportunities. Serves the entirety of British Columbia; the majority of services are delivered virtually. Drop-in services are from 1 pm to 4 pm. every first and third Wednesday of the month; Rise is unable to accommodate walk-in clients outside of these dates and times.