The ECLC is unique in its holistic approach to legal problems, situating the individual and family within the broader picture of their financial, personal and social circumstances.

Clients have an initial interview to help them to clarify their legal concern and to receive appropriate community and legal referrals and information.

Clients receive legal information and advice at no cost from a volunteer lawyer at an evening legal clinic. Volunteer lawyers may refer clients with complex issues for further follow-up by ECLC staff lawyer.

The volunteer lawyers and staff lawyers work in partnership with staff client support professionals and daytime volunteers to identify and address social and personal factors that may have contributed to the legal problem. This multi-disciplinary approach facilitates client access to community resources and service providers, expands opportunities for the negotiation of non-legal remedies,and ensures skilled guidance in the handling of disputes.