FAQs

Recommended browsers for our online application form are Chrome or Firefox. The minimum browser and system requirement to view our website and use the online application form is Windows 10 with Microsoft Edge.

Please note that you will need an email address to submit an online application. If you do not have an email address you can download a hardcopy form, contact us to have one mailed to you or attend at a community legal centre or your local Parliamentary Representative who can make a warm referral to us on your behalf.

Pro bono resources are limited and we have to prioritise the most disadvantaged people. Some people who apply for our help have no income at all when they first come to us. Others are on government benefits or low incomes.

We require detailed information about your financial situation so that we can assess whether you meet our means test. We will take into account how many dependents you support and whether your matter is of public interest in making our means assessment.

If Law Access or a pro bono lawyer finds that you have misrepresented your means you will be disqualified from receiving pro bono assistance.

Law Access does not offer any legal advice or information directly. We do not act as your lawyer when we receive applications for pro bono referrals.

The time taken to match a case with a referral depends on the complexity of the case, the information you provide, and the willingness of a lawyer to take the placement. We cannot guarantee that a matter, even if assessed as meritorious, can be placed at all.

It is important that you continue to meet all court commitments or commence any necessary legal action within statutory time limits, even if you have submitted an application to Law Access.

There is no application fee. Law Access provides this service free of charge to the community.

No walk-in service is available. All contact to Law Access must be made by telephone, email, post or through our website.

No. Applications for pro bono assistance need to come to Law Access. We then ask members of the legal profession to provide assistance in a variety of ways.

Law Access does not take direct applications from for-profit businesses. If you are a small business we recommend that you try getting legal advice from the John Curtin Law Clinic, which provides some advice to small businesses including identifying legal options, carrying out legal research, and preparing court documents. Please note that they do not provide legal representation.

No. All decisions to consider and refuse or approve applications for pro bono referral are at the complete discretion of Law Access. All decisions are final.

If your application is assessed as suitable for pro bono referral, Law Access will attempt to refer the matter to legal practitioners who may be willing to accept the legal matter on a pro bono basis.

We do not have any power to compel a legal practitioner or law firm to assist with matters on a pro bono basis. The decision to undertake pro bono work is completely voluntary and at the discretion of the practitioner or firm.

Please note that while we will do our best to locate a lawyer or law firm to take on your matter, there is no guarantee that the matter will be taken up on a pro bono basis.

It is important that you continue to meet all court commitments or commence any necessary legal action within statutory time limits, even if you have submitted an application to Law Access.

If your matter is ineligible for referral or we cannot find a lawyer to help you, we will write to you explaining why we were unable to refer your matter. If we can, we will also provide you with practical information regarding your options and suggest other agencies you could contact for assistance.

Yes, Law Access welcomes your feedback. Please address your feedback to:

The Chief Executive Officer, Law Access

Email: lawaccess@lawaccess.org.au

Post: PO Box Z5345, Perth WA 6831