How to Get Free Legal Advice in Your State (2024 Update)

How to Get Free Legal Advice in Your State

Obtaining professional legal advice can be expensive. However, there are ways you can receive advice for less cost, or none at all. If you have a legal problem or even need to attend court, but can’t afford the legal fees, you can sometimes get free legal aid in your State. Some of these organisations have the capacity to legally represent you in your matter, while others provide free legal advice and guide you in the right direction.

These organisations offer their services in many different areas of law including family, criminal, civil, immigration, financial, employment, consumer and many more.

Table of Contents

Self-representation

If you’re representing yourself in your matter, then you won’t have to pay a cent for legal advice. Further, the internet means you can find a lot of useful information which may be relevant to your case online. However, self-representation is usually not recommended for those who do not have a good working knowledge of the law. This is because self-represented litigants may end up facing higher costs in the end, depending on how they conduct the case and whose favour the Judge finds in. Although self-representation is free, you’ll want the experience and knowledge of a lawyer to assist you in Court. Although you won’t be paying anything for legal advice, you will still have to bear the costs of Court filing fees and other administrative costs. 

Find the perfect lawyer to help your business today!

Get a fixed-fee quote from Australia's largest lawyer marketplace.

Free Legal Advice by State

Although self-representation may not be the way to go, you can still obtain legal advice without charge. Below is a list of some of the pro bono legal centres in your State:

ACT

  • Legal Aid ACT
  • Pro Bono Referral Schemes
  • Legal Advice Bureau
  • Community Legal Services

New South Wales

  • Legal Aid NSW
  • Community Legal Centres NSW
  • Law Society of NSW Pro Bono Scheme
  • Financial Counsellors’ Association of NSW Inc

Northern Territory

  • Legal Aid NT
  • Community Legal Centres
  • Pro Bono Referral Schemes

Queensland

  • Legal Aid QLD
  • Community Legal Centres QLD
  • Pro Bono Referral Schemes
  • Youth Advocacy Centres

South Australia

  • Legal Aid SA
  • Community Legal Centres
  • Justice Net

Tasmania

  • Legal Aid TAS
  • Community Legal Centres
  • Pro Bono Referral Schemes

Victoria

  • Legal Aid VIC
  • Federation of Community Legal Centres Victoria
  • Victims Support Agency

Western Australia

  • Legal Aid WA
  • Community Legal Centres
  • Pro Bono Referral Schemes

Other Pro Bono Schemes

Aside from these legal centres, some large law firms run pro bono schemes. However, you may have to fulfil certain criteria in order to be eligible. You can visit the law society website of your State or Territory for further information.

Other ways of cutting your legal costs

Legal advice can be costly due to how quickly fees can escalate. This especially the case where you’re charged on an hourly basis. When this happens, costs can quickly rise. Another way to save money on your legal fees is to opt to use lawyers who will charge on you on a fixed-fee basis. That way, you’ll know exactly what you have to pay so there are no nasty surprises down the track.

Don't know where to start?

Contact us on 1800 529 728 to learn more about customising legal documents, obtaining a fixed-fee quote from our network of 600+ expert lawyers or to get answers to your legal questions.

Most Popular Articles
You may also like
Recent Articles

Get the latest news

By clicking on 'Sign up to our newsletter' you are agreeing to the Lawpath Terms & Conditions

Share:

Register for our free live webinar today!

Drafting & Negotiating Contracts: Essential Tips to Protect Your Small Business

12:00pm AEDT
Thursday 10th October 2024

By clicking on 'Register for webinar' you are agreeing to the Lawpath Terms & Conditions

You may also like

Thinking about managing your trust using a company as trustee? Read our guide on how to create a corporate trustee structure.
How to prevent yourself as a company director from being personally liable: 101 Guide
Some legal documents require a person's signature to be witnessed. So who can be a witness? Read our guide to find out more.

Thank you!

Your registration is confirmed. Keep an eye on your inbox for an email with details on how to watch the webinar.