Winter 2025
Convey information, do not provide legal advice, or opinions

Convey information not legal advice

Information: generic an apply to all. Anyone can share legal information. Information is not based on specific set of facts.

Advice: very specific and applies to the individual’s specific factual circumstances. Only licensed lawyers can give legal advice.

The line between "legal advice" and "legal information" is often blurred. Only a lawyer may give actual legal advice, whereas any non-lawyer may recite legal information. Furthermore, it is generally illegal for a non-lawyer or unlicensed attorney to offer legal advice or to represent someone other than himself or herself in a court of law.

Click here to download the handout Legal Information vs. Legal Advice

Legal Information

Legal information needs to be bite-sized and included as needed. Keep it simple, use plain language and non-legal jargon.

Can't recommend a specific course of action for a self-represented litigant.
Can't provide an interpretation of legal term, statute, rule, order, or case law.
Can't provide confidential information.
Can't perform legal research.
Facts about the law and the legal process.
Answer the questions: Who, When, Where, How?
The objective should always be to provide information and resources and not advice.
Shouldn't require details about a specific case.

Legal Advice

It should only be provided by attorneys or accredited representatives
Advice about the course of action a patron should take to further their own interests
Avoid using: Should, What?
Often requires details about the case

Example

If a person wants to receive a driver's license.

An example of legal information would be the steps involve in getting a driver's license. You should complete a form, need to pass a written test, a vision test, and a driving test.
An example of legal advice is giving someone the answers to the written test.

Legal Information (Permitted)	Legal Advice (Prohibited)
Legal definitions	Legal explanations
Procedural definitions	Procedural advice
Available options	Recommended options
General attorney referral information	Specific referrals to private attorneys
Forms	Completed forms
Instructions on what to write	Advice on what to write
Court rules and protocol	Court strategy
Checking forms for completeness	Checking forms for accuracy
Local legal aid and self-help resources	Representation in court
How do I…?	Should I…?

Edited 03/05/2025