Best Civil Rights Lawyers in Canada

Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.

Free. Takes 2 min.

Or refine your search by selecting a city:

Lerners LLP
London, Canada

Founded in 1929
English
Lerners LLP is recognized as one of Canada’s leading law firms, offering comprehensive legal services across a diverse range of practice areas. With a team of highly skilled lawyers, the firm provides expert counsel in bankruptcy, civil litigation, divorce, employment, family law, labor...
Christensen Law Firm
Cambridge, Canada

English
Christensen Law Firm, based in Cambridge, Ontario, specializes in debt collection services, offering a unique approach that combines sophisticated legal expertise with a respectful and dignified manner. Unlike traditional collection agencies, the firm focuses on assisting clients' customers to...
Calgary Employment Lawyers
Calgary, Canada

3 people in their team
English
Calgary Employment Lawyers is a Calgary-based employment law firm that has represented employees for more than 25 years. The practice concentrates on workplace matters including wrongful dismissal, termination and severance, constructive dismissal, discrimination and harassment, disability...
Dewart Gleason LLP
Toronto, Canada

Founded in 2010
English
Dewart Gleason LLP is a boutique law firm based in Toronto, specializing in civil litigation, labour law, defence of solicitors' negligence claims, and professional regulation. With decades of experience, the firm's accomplished litigators have appeared before every level of court in Canada and...
Taylor McCaffrey LLP
Winnipeg, Canada

Founded in 1979
English
Taylor McCaffrey LLP, headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba, is a full-service law firm renowned for its comprehensive legal expertise across over 80 practice areas and 18 industries. The firm's team of more than 55 lawyers offers specialized services in areas such as Advocacy, Litigation & Dispute...
Toronto, Canada

English
Evans Law Firm, led by John R. Evans, specializes exclusively in employment law, representing employees and executives across Canada. With over 30 years of experience, John has successfully handled a wide range of employment-related disputes, including wrongful termination, constructive dismissal,...

English
Humber Bay Law, recognized as one of the premier legal providers in Etobicoke, Toronto, offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to individuals and businesses alike. The firm is distinguished by its broad expertise, with seasoned lawyers handling complex matters in business law, civil...

3 people in their team
English
Reclaim Law is a Canada-based law firm that concentrates on civil forfeiture matters in British Columbia. The firm focuses on recovering property seized by police or subject to civil forfeiture and provides counsel in both civil and criminal forfeiture matters for individuals and businesses.With...
Camara Law Firm
Toronto, Canada

English
Camara Law Firm, located in Toronto, Ontario, specializes in criminal defense and civil litigation, offering comprehensive legal services to clients across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. The firm is dedicated to guiding clients through the complexities of the legal system, ensuring informed...

Founded in 2010
5 people in their team
English
Hyde HR Law is a boutique labour and employment law firm in downtown Toronto that serves clients across Canada. The firm has earned recognition from HR Law Canada including Lawyer of the Year and Top Labour and Employment Firm awards, reflecting a track record of excellence and a dedication to...
AS SEEN ON

About Civil Rights Law in Canada

In Canada, civil rights are protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, part of the Constitution Act, 1982. The Charter guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms, including freedom of expression, assembly, and association; equality rights; and legal rights. These laws are designed to protect individuals against discrimination and to ensure that everyone in Canada is treated with fairness and respect.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

There are several situations where you might require the assistance of a lawyer specialized in civil rights. These include experiencing discrimination in the workplace, facing police misconduct, dealing with issues related to freedom of expression, or encountering violations of your privacy. A civil rights lawyer can provide legal advice, help file a claim or complaint, and represent you in court if necessary.

Local Laws Overview

Canadian civil rights law is guided primarily by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Key legal protections include:

  • Section 2: Fundamental Freedoms such as freedom of expression, religion, and peaceful assembly.
  • Section 7: Legal Rights ensuring life, liberty, and security of the person.
  • Section 15: Equality Rights, prohibiting discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age, or mental or physical disability.

Beyond the Charter, provinces and territories have their own human rights laws that provide additional protections against discrimination, often in employment, housing, and public services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are civil rights?

Civil rights are the rights of individuals to receive equal treatment and to be free from unfair treatment or discrimination, in a number of settings including employment, education, housing, and more.

How does the Charter of Rights and Freedoms protect me?

The Charter protects citizens from actions by the government that infringe on their freedoms and rights. It provides a legal framework to challenge such actions in court.

Can provinces have different civil rights laws?

Yes, each province and territory in Canada can have additional human rights legislation that offers protections at the local level, complementing the federal Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

What should I do if I experience discrimination?

Firstly, document the incidents and gather evidence. Then you can approach provincial human rights commissions to file a complaint, or seek legal counsel for further action.

Can I file a civil rights complaint myself?

Yes, you can file a complaint with human rights commissions, but it might be helpful to consult with a lawyer to understand the best approach for your situation.

What is the role of a civil rights lawyer?

A civil rights lawyer provides legal advice on rights violations, represents clients in court, and works to resolve disputes related to discrimination and other civil rights issues.

How long does a civil rights case take?

The duration of a civil rights case can vary widely, depending on its complexity, the willingness of parties to settle, and court schedules.

Are there any costs involved in filing a civil rights case?

Yes, there may be legal fees and other costs involved, but many lawyers offer initial consultations to discuss these aspects before proceeding.

Can non-citizens claim civil rights in Canada?

Yes, many rights under the Charter are available to everyone in Canada, not just citizens, although some rights are specific to citizens.

How is privacy considered under civil rights law?

Privacy is considered a fundamental right, and the law protects individuals' personal information from being misused by others, including state entities.

Additional Resources

There are various resources that can provide further assistance and information on civil rights in Canada:

  • Canadian Human Rights Commission
  • Provincial and Territorial Human Rights Commissions
  • Legal Aid services in your province or territory
  • Justice Canada - Department of Justice resources

Next Steps

If you believe your civil rights have been violated and need legal assistance, consider taking the following steps:

  • Document all relevant information and evidence related to your case.
  • Consult with a civil rights lawyer for an initial assessment. Many offer free initial consultations.
  • Contact your local human rights commission for advice and potential mediation services.
  • Consider joining a relevant advocacy group that can offer support and additional resources.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Canada through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Civil Rights, experience, and client feedback.

Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters.

Get a quote from top-rated law firms in Canada — quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.

We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.