10 September 2024

Fitzroy Legal Service’s Law Handbook 2024 is now available as a free online resource for the community

Fitzroy Legal Service is proud to announce that the 46th edition of The Law Handbook is now available for free online to help community members navigate common legal issues in everyday life.

Serving as Victoria’s trusted, practical guide to the law since 1977, The Law Handbook is published in both hardcopy and online formats. This resource is updated annually by more than 80 voluntary legal experts who provide up-to-date information on law in Victoria.

This year’s edition spans over 1,200 pages, covering more than 90 common legal topics, including tenancy, consumer protection, anti-discrimination, family violence and custody matters, environmental law, and employment law. It also provides valuable information on emerging legal issues, changes to the law, and practical guidance on navigating the courts and seeking legal assistance.

Widely regarded as a reliable, high-quality, and concise source of legal information, The Law Handbook is frequently referred to by lawyers, law-adjacent professionals, teachers, and students alike.

Quotes attributed to Fitzroy Legal Service CEO Hamish McLachlan:

“The Law Handbook is a Melbourne institution, first published by Fitzroy Legal Service’s original full-time employee, Julian Gardner AM, alongside Dr Peter Cashman and Dr David Neal SC. It evolved from a collection of handwritten notes compiled by volunteer lawyers working at our free after-hours Night Service, which continues to operate five nights a week to this day.

“The handbook was designed to empower people with a practical and trusted guide to the law, a purpose it continues to serve for the legal sector and the wider community.

“We are pleased to offer this year’s 46th edition in formats that cater to people’s legal needs and budgets, whether it’s a printed hard copy for their office or the free, easily accessible online version for quick reference on everyday legal queries.”

Quotes attributed to Fitzroy Legal Service Law Handbook Editor Erin O’Dwyer:

“This comprehensive legal resource is a year-long project, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see it come to fruition and be adopted by numerous organisations, legal industry professionals, and community members.

“As the last printed hard copy legal handbook of its kind in Australia, it’s crucial that we not only maintain it but also share it as widely as possible for maximum community benefit.”

Fitzroy Legal Service acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government in supporting this project.

Access the free online resource of The Law Handbook 2024. It’s also available for purchase in hardcopy, as an ebook, formatted for Kindle, and in separate sections for download.