The Law Handbook 2024

Chapter 2.1: Legal representation 61 Register of Lawyers on the VLSB+C website to see if they have ‘with trust’ as their type of practising certificate. The Fidelity Fund is managed by the VLSB+C. The fund exists to compensate clients for the loss of money that was held in trust by a lawyer where the dishonest or fraudulent behaviour of a lawyer, an employee/agent/officer/director of a law practice, or a barrister’s clerk caused the loss. The VLSB+C investigates and determines claims made against the Fidelity Fund. For more information, see the VLSB+C website (www.lsbc.vic.gov.au/consumers/how-we-can-help/ compensation/trust-money-compensation-fidelity- fund) or contact the VLSB+C on 1300 796 344 and ask to speak with a Fidelity Fund Officer. Contacts Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) Tel: 1300 558 181 Web: www.consumer.vic.gov.au Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) Tel: 1300 01 8228 Email: admin@vcat.vic.gov.au Web: www.vcat.vic.gov.au VCAT hears matters at venues throughout metropolitan and country Victoria – see VCAT’s website for addresses. Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner (VLSB+C) Level 5, 555 Bourke Street, Melbourne Vic 3000 Tel: 9679 8001; 1300 796 344 Email: consumerenquiry@lsbc.vic.gov.au Web: www.lsbc.vic.gov.au Community legal centres For the location of your nearest community legal centre, see Chapter 2.4: Legal services that can help, or visit the Federation of Community Legal Centres Victoria website (www.fclc.org.au) .