History

In 1982, a group of community workers and residents of South Etobicoke formed a committee to seek funding for a legal aid clinic to serve the Lakeshore communities of Etobicoke (Mimico, New Toronto and Long Branch). After they recruited new members from other parts of South Etobicoke and agreed to serve a wider area, the Ontario Legal Aid Plan agreed to provide funding. On January 27, 1986 SECLS opened its doors to the public.

Since that time, the SECLS staff of lawyers, a community legal worker and support staff has been committed to providing free legal services to the residents of South Etobicoke. The clinic is also involved in educating the community through public legal education projects, participation in law reform activities, and carrying out other forms of outreach

We are an independent organization that is accountable to our clients and our community. We are governed by a volunteer Board of Directors elected from our community. Board members are elected by the SECLS membership at our Annual General Meeting which is held each year.

SECLS Board members come from a wide variety of cultural and occupational backgrounds. They share an interest in the goals of the clinic and are committed to addressing the needs and interests of the community.