If you do not have a lawyer for an appeal, you will have to prepare and file your documents and do the legal research to represent yourself. You will need to learn about the court system, what documents to file, the specific law in your case, and the possible arguments for your case. There are places where you can get legal information, legal advice and assistance, or legal representation.

There are many organizations that can provide you with legal information, legal advice, and referrals to a variety of services in your community. Some organizations may be able to provide you with free legal advice (pro bono) or for a reduced fee.

Some help is available from duty counsel (free lawyers provided by the Legal Services Society of BC) in civil matters.  Help may also be available from duty counsel if you are appearing on a civil (non-family) chambers matter in the Court of Appeal in Vancouver.

You may want to learn about the law on a particular topic. There are resources and websites where you can find information about general areas of law, such as family law or tenancy problems. If you want to do your own legal research about your case, this link will direct you to some helpful websites.

There are guidebooks available to help you draft civil court documents and prepare for civil hearings in the Court of Appeal. The Legal Services Society has prepared criminal procedure guidebooks on "How to Appeal Your Sentence" and "How to Appeal Your Conviction".