The Law Foundation of Ontario was established in 1974 under the Law Society Act. The Foundation receives and uses the interest on lawyers’ and paralegals’ mixed trust accounts to support legal education, legal research, legal aid, and law libraries in Ontario. We do this through grantmaking to nonprofits and providing funds to Legal Aid Ontario.
We are the sole foundation in Ontario with the mandate of improving access to justice. A priority for the Foundation is to pay particular attention to groups who have experienced injustice or inequity – past or current – and those who have experienced exclusion or barriers in society.
The Foundation also administers the Class Proceedings Fund, which provides cost assistance in class actions. The Class Proceedings Committee is responsible for deciding who will receive funding.
Putting people at the heart of justice.
Access to justice exists when the public can understand, use, and afford information and services to prevent and resolve their legal disputes and to achieve just outcomes without delay.
Our people
The Law Foundation of Ontario is governed by a five-person voluntary Board of Trustees and supported by a staff team. Meet our Board and staff.
Strategic plan
Following a process that included input from stakeholders, The Law Foundation of Ontario’s 2016-2020 strategic plan identifies four strategic directions.
Annual reports
The Law Foundation of Ontario annual report provides an overview of the year’s activities and it is accompanied by audited financial statements.
What's new
Etienne Esquega appointed to The Law Foundation of Ontario Board of Trustees
The Law Foundation of Ontario is pleased to announce the appointment of Etienne Esquega to its Board of Trustees.
Margaret Sims joins Class Proceedings Fund as Counsel
The Law Foundation of Ontario and the Class Proceedings Committee are pleased to welcome Margaret Sims as Counsel to the Class Proceedings Fund, effective January 2021.
Video series educates on investments and avoiding financial harm
With a Responsive grant, the Osgoode Investor Protection Clinic developed a video series to address some of the key issues faced by individuals who have invested in capital markets and may be vulnerable to financial mismanagement.