Our Story

CLAS was incorporated as a non-profit legal aid society in 1971. We were the first community law office in BC. Our structure reflects nearly 50 years of partnership between the private bar and community groups to provide legal aid to people facing discrimination and marginalization. Since our inception, we have become a nationally recognized non-profit law firm, specializing in housing, income security, workers’ rights, mental health and human rights law.

CLAS operates as “umbrella” organization consisting of a number of programs and projects. We have assisted thousands of people through our service case work and have conducted hundreds of test and systemic cases at all levels of court, including the Supreme Court of Canada. We have been counsel on hundreds of reported decisions in the areas of law in which we practice.

We are committed to assisting those who are marginalized or face discrimination anywhere in British Columbia.

CLAS is a nationally recognized non-profit law firm, specializing in housing, income security, workers’ rights, mental health and human rights law.

Find out more about CLAS