Natural disaster affected help-seeker Legal Assistance
Justice Connect is accepting referrals from organisations or individuals for help-seekers who are affected by natural disasters. Proceed with selecting "I am referring a person or organisation affected by a natural disaster" to provide details. We are able to provide assistance for a range of legal matters and make referrals for pro bono representation if the help-seeker is affected by a natural disaster and cannot afford legal assistance for their matter.
Homeless Law
The Homeless Law service may be able to provide free legal advice and representation for people in Victoria experiencing or at risk of homelessness, with the following types of legal issues:
● credit and debt
● tenancy and housing problems
● infringements where these are connected to homelessness
● some criminal law matters
● guardianship and administration
Access Program (formerly Public Interest Law)
Justice Connect’s Access Program uses a range of approaches including specialist advice, pro bono referrals and online resources. We leverage innovative technology and our network of over 10,000 pro bono lawyers who assist in delivering our legal services. We help across a wide range of areas of law and at all stages of legal issues.
This includes ‘public interest' legal issues involving an important point of law that is uncertain and requires clarification or a case that relates to an important right affecting a sector of the community.
As there are a limited number of lawyers, the service works with priority groups and projects to respond to rising legal need and matters in the public interest. There are some kinds of problems that the service cannot assist with.
Visit Our Services for more information about our priority groups and projects.
Federal Self Representation
Provides legal help across some matters in NSW, ACT, Victoria and Tasmania who have a case at Federal Court or Federal Circuit Court, or are considering starting or defending a case in these courts. We are currently only able to assist where their legal issue is one of the following:
● employment law (assistance available for employees, not employers)
● bankruptcy (assistance available for those who have had bankruptcy proceedings started against them, or are considering voluntary bankruptcy)
● federal discrimination law, and
● some types of judicial review hearings.
The service usually provides single pieces of advice via appointments, as well as legal information. In some circumstances the service may recommend and facilitate full representation.
Seniors Law
Justice Connect's Seniors Law service is focused on assisting vulnerable older people in Victoria and NSW. We particularly assist with guardianship matters, powers of attorney, property law issues, and family law concerns where issues are impacting on an older person's wellbeing.
Our Seniors Law service works closely with health workers through health justice partnerships to reach older people who may need legal help and not know it.
All applications are initially processed by our Access Program, however sometimes our specialist Seniors Law team will take on the matter. Clients can also receive assistance through our network of pro bono lawyers. We have a priority area and project for elder abuse.
Visit Our Services for more information about our priority groups and projects.
Domestic Building Legal service
Assists clients in a dispute with their builder in Victoria, where the VCAT process can be burdensome and costly. For those who can’t afford the legal help they need, our Domestic Building Legal Service may be able to help.
Homeowners need to meet eligibility criteria to access one-on-one legal assistance, however the service can provide information and resources to most homeowners with domestic building disputes.
Visit https://justiceconnect.org.au/how-we-help/ for more information.