The Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission delivers most of its services via a network of 16 community-based law offices as well as 1 sub-office known as Nova Scotia Legal Aid. The offices are staffed by salaried lawyers and, in certain situations, supplemented by lawyers in private practice on a fee-for service basis.

Put very simply, Legal Aid may provide a lawyer to someone who could not otherwise afford one. To be eligible for the service in Nova Scotia, an applicant must be receiving Social Assistance Benefits or be in an equivalent financial position. It must also be determined that there is some merit in the case and that the applicant will receive some benefit if service is provided. Legal services are provided mainly in the areas of family and criminal law.