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Pro Bono Scheme

If you need help with a legal problem but are unable to afford standard solicitor fees, and have been refused Legal Aid, the Law Society's Pro Bono Scheme may be able to assist.

Since 1992 the Scheme has referred eligible members of the community needing legal assistance to firms willing to provide legal services on a free or substantially reduced fee basis. Assistance can include legal advice, preparation of documents and, if required, representation in court.

The Scheme refers people to Pro Bono Panel solicitors across the State every year, relying upon the goodwill and generosity of these solicitors.

Whilst the Law Society strongly encourages firms to undertake pro bono work, their participation in the Scheme is voluntary. The Pro Bono Scheme will make every effort to help an eligible person but there is no guarantee that assistance will be given.

All decisions made by the Scheme in respect of a person’s eligibility are final and cannot be overturned.

Who is eligible?

To be eligible for legal services on a free or substantially reduced fee basis under the Pro Bono Scheme, you must:

• have been refused a grant of Legal Aid for the relevant matter
• have a matter that falls within the areas of law assisted by the Scheme (see Guidelines below)
• undergo a means and merit test.

Guidelines

The Law Society's Pro Bono Scheme Solicitor has the discretion to occasionally accept matters that are outside these guidelines due to exceptional circumstances, including disability, risk of physical harm to the applicant and extreme financial hardship.

How do I apply?

If you want legal services on a free or substantially reduced fee basis, you need to apply to the Pro Bono Scheme in the following way:

1. Complete an Application for Pro Bono Referral Form
2. Include with your application form:

- A letter from Legal Aid refusing assistance or the name of the practitioner that refuses you
- A statement outlining the matter
- Copies of any relevant Court documents
- A copy of your most recent statements from all your bank accounts
- Any other document you feel may be relevant

3. Send your completed and signed application form and all your documents to:

The Pro Bono Scheme Solicitor
Law Society of New South Wales
170 Phillip Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Fax: (02) 9231 5809

Allow a minimum of two weeks for your application to be assessed. If your application is successful, the Law Society will contact solicitors listed on its Pro Bono Scheme Panel in an attempt to find one who is willing to consider the matter and to assist.

Please note that the Pro Bono Scheme does not warrant or guarantee the work undertaken by any solicitor to which you may be referred and we are not liable in relation to any aspect of legal services they may provide to you.

More information

For more information, please telephone the Law Society’s Pro Bono Scheme on (02) 9926 0364 or (02) 9926 0355. Hours are 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday.