Frequently Asked Questions

• Is legal aid free?
• I need a solicitor - what do I do?
• I just want some quick advice, but I don't need an appointment - what can I do?
• I can't get through to the legal advice line - is anyone there? Is the advice line a recorded message? Is the advice line in the ACT?
• I've been referred to a private solicitor for my free advice. Why can't I see a Legal Aid solicitor? Does this mean I can't apply for Legal Aid?
• Who is eligible for Legal Aid?
• I live in NSW and there is no Legal Aid Office where I live - where do I apply?
• Can I have some numbers for other agencies who can help me, such as other legal advice services, courts, solicitors, some government departments, other Legal Aid Offices?
• Where are your offices located?
• My application for a grant of legal aid has been refused - why & what do I do?

Is legal aid free?

Initial telephone advice and initial appointments are free of charge.

If you require legal representation on an ongoing basis you will need to apply for legal aid. If you are granted Legal Aid most people are asked to pay a contribution towards their legal costs which starts at $90.

If you feel you may have difficulty in paying this amount you should talk to your solicitor, or inform the Legal Aid Office in writing.

I need a solicitor - what do I do?

If you require a solicitor to represent you and you cannot afford the services of a private solicitor you can make an application for a grant of legal aid. Click here for more information on how to apply. Applications take 5 - 7 working days to process and should be lodged as soon as possible. Urgent applications will be given priority.

If you have not seen a solicitor for initial advice ring Legal Aid reception on (02) 6243 3471 to see if you can make an initial free appointment for advice. The information that you and the solicitor discuss at the advice appointment will be very useful for the Legal Aid Office when the Office assesses your application for a grant of legal aid.

I just want some quick advice, but I don't need an appointment. What can I do?

If you need some quick advice and don't feel that you need an appointment we have a Legal Advice and Information Line which can be called on 1300 654 314. It is for all matters except for criminal matters. If you have a criminal problem you should call (02) 6243 3407. The Advice Line is open 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday to Friday.

Where the matter is complex or requires the sighting of documents you will be referred on to see a solicitor. If you wish to have an initial face to face appointment through the Legal Aid Office you can contact our Reception on (02) 6243 3471 to make the appointment.

I can't get through to the legal advice line - is anyone there? Is the advice line a recorded message? Is the advice line in the ACT?

Calls to the Legal Advice and Information Line are answered by a Legal Aid Solicitor. This service is run from the ACT. This is the only way the Legal Aid Office gives out advice over the telephone.

The Legal Advice and Information Line operates from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. The Legal Advice and Information Line can be extremely busy at times. If the solicitors are taking another call you should hear one of two messages:

• that you have been placed in a queue and will be attended to shortly, or
• that the lines are busy and you should call again later.

If you are unable to wait you may contact the Legal Aid reception on (02) 6243 3471 to arrange an appointment to see a Solicitor.

If no one answers your call or if it is engaged for long periods of time this means that the lines are full and you are unable to be placed in a queue. If this occurs please try again later. If you are unable to wait, you may contact the Legal Aid reception on (02) 6243 3471 to arrange an appointment to see a Solicitor.

If you are calling after hours and need to speak to a solicitor urgently you can call the After Hours Urgent Matters line on 0429 440 084. This service operates from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. Monday to Thursday and from 6 p.m. Friday to 9 a.m. Monday.

I've been referred to a private solicitor for my free advice. Why can't I see a Legal Aid solicitor? Does this mean I can't apply for Legal Aid?

If you are referred to a private solicitor it may be because it is a conflict of interest for the Legal Aid Office to see you or because the Office is too busy to take on a case. In either situation if you are eligible for a grant of legal aid the Legal Aid Office will pay the fees of an independent solicitor.

A "conflict of interest" is an ethical dilemma. For example, it would be a conflict of interest, and unethical for a legal firm to act on behalf of both parties to a case. This might mean that the lawyers representing each of the parties could access information about the other party. This would be unjust.

We try to prevent this from happening at Legal Aid. When someone makes an appointment we will check to see if they or the other party in a dispute has been to the Office previously. Where both parties to a case want to apply for a grant of legal aid and both are eligible for aid, the Office will act for one party and refer the other to a private solicitor, whose fees will be paid by the Legal Aid Office. This works to protect the legal rights of both parties to a case.

If you are referred to a private solicitor this does not mean that you cannot apply for Legal Aid. Everyone is entitled to apply for Legal Aid even if there is a conflict of interest.

Who is eligible for Legal Aid?

Anyone may apply for Legal Aid. To be eligible to receive Legal Aid you must meet a means test (an income and assets test), a merits test and your matter must be one which falls within the Commonwealth Guidelines.

I live in NSW and there is no Legal Aid Office where I live - where do I apply?

If you live in NSW and you want help with a NSW matter please contact the Legal Aid Commission (NSW) on 1300 888 529.

If it is an ACT matter please contact us.

Can I have some numbers for other agencies who can help me, such as other legal advice services, courts, solicitors, some government departments, other Legal Aid Offices?

Courts in the Australian Capital Territory:

Legal information and advice services:

Please contact the ACT Law Society on (02) 6247 5700 if you require the contact details of a solicitor in the ACT.

See our Free Legal Services publication and Legal Aid around Australia for further contact numbers.

Where are your offices located?

Legal Aid Office (ACT) has two offices in Canberra, Civic and Woden.

CIVIC - 4 Mort Street, Civic (at the bus interchange)

WODEN - 18 Corrina Street, in PA Chambers, (opposite the Phillip Health Centre and Woden Library.)

My application for a grant of legal aid has been refused - why & what do I do?

Your letter will outline the reason/s why you have been refused.

If you have been refused Legal Aid you have the right to ask for a reconsideration. You can ask for a reconsideration by writing and send it to our office within 28 days of the date of your refusal letter. Please state the reasons for your request. See our Reconsideration and Review Procedures for further information.