The Law Handbook 2024

72 Section 2: Getting help wills and estates matters, and professional negligence claims. Law Aid cannot assist with criminal matters or family law matters. People interested should contact their nearest community legal centre (see Chapter 2.4: Legal services that can help) or their own solicitor to get help to complete a Law Aid application form. Applicants pay a non-refundable application fee of $150. Eligibility for funding is assessed case-by-case on the basis of the applicant’s financial means and the legal merits of their case. Granting of assistance is at the Law Aid trustees’ discretion, and the trustees do not give reasons for their decisions. If there is a successful outcome in a matter funded by Law Aid, the applicant must repay Law Aid in full, and pay a fee representing a percentage of the award or settlement (while the trustees are entitled to charge 10 per cent, the fee sought in the majority of cases is five per cent). If a matter is unsuccessful, no repayment is required. Also, lawyers working on a matter funded by Law Aid must waive all costs if the matter is unsuccessful (i.e. ‘no win, no fee’). More information is available at www.liv.asn.au. Justice Connect Justice Connect (formerly called the Public Interest Law Clearing House or PILCH) is a not-for-profit incorporated association, which is committed to furthering the public interest, improving access to justice and protecting human rights by facilitating the provision of pro bono legal services and undertaking law reform, policy work and legal education. Justice Connect’s members include law firms, university law faculties, community legal centres, corporate legal departments, the Victorian Bar and the Law Institute of Victoria. Justice Connect PO Box 16013, Melbourne, VIC 8007. DX 128 Melbourne Tel: 8636 4400 Email: admin@justiceconnect.org.au Web: www.justiceconnect.org.au Justice Connect delivers pro bono legal services through the following programs: 1 Not-for-profit Law(for not-for-profit organisations); 2 Referral Service (for individuals); 3 Self-representation Service (for individuals); 4 Homeless Law (for individuals); 5 Seniors Law (for individuals). Not-for-profit Law Not-for-profit Law provides free or low-cost legal information, advice and training to not-for- profit organisations and social enterprises. For eligible organisations, the service also provides free telephone advice (tel: 1800 637 529) and help finding pro bono lawyers. Not-for-profit Law hosts a comprehensive information hub (at www.nfplaw.org.au) designed to assist not-for-profits to understand common legal issues affecting their organisations. The information hub provides legal resources, including plain English fact sheets and checklists. In addition, Not-for-profit Law runs seminars and workshops on issues such as governance, legal issues for volunteers, tax and fundraising. The service also engages in policy and law reform work for the not- for-profit sector. Referral Service Justice Connect’s Referral Service connects those who need legal help to pro bono lawyers. This service is available to individuals experiencing disadvantage. The Referral Service aims to fill the unmet legal need in society that is created when legal aid and community legal centres are unable to assist. Due to Justice Connect’s longstanding relationships with barristers, law firms, government and the community legal sector, it is able to quickly and effectively match those seeking help with expert pro bono legal support best suited to the person’s needs. A referral from a professional is required (for example, from a social worker or another lawyer). Self-representation Service The Self-representation Service helps individuals who are unrepresented (i.e. they don’t have a lawyer and are representing themselves in court) in bankruptcy, Fair Work, human rights, discrimination and judicial review matters in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. This service provides free legal information, advice and assistance. Telephone the Self-representation Service on 1800 727 550. Homeless Law Homeless Law is a free, specialist outreach legal service for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The service provides free information, legal advice and legal representation at court and at VCAT.