1300 044 332
Making a legal referral
If you support people facing complex challenges, legal help can be a critical part of the puzzle.
Many people miss out on legal help because they don’t know where to start, or don’t know which service is right for them. Justice Connect helps bridge that gap.
With our online Referrer Tool, you can refer people for free legal help quickly, securely, and with confidence, so no one has to face legal issues alone.
If you are a professional and have questions or are unsure about the assistance you’re seeking, please call our professional hotline on 1300 044 332 to discuss.
Can I make a referral?
Referrals to Justice Connect must be made by a professional, such as:
- Lawyers and legal professionals
- Caseworkers
- Social workers
- Community workers
If you’re unsure whether Justice Connect is the right fit, our online Referrer Tool will help guide you and assess whether your referral is likely to be eligible.
What we can help with
Due to high demand for free legal assistance, we prioritise matters that we consider to be in the public interest and where a person is especially vulnerable. Generally, eligibility for a legal service depends on location, type of problem, and passing an income and assets test.
Our eligibility criteria includes the following:
We consider the expenses likely to be involved in the case, along with the individual’s assets and income to help determine an answer to this question. If a person can afford a lawyer, generally we will not be able to assist.
If they are, they are unlikely to be eligible for assistance through Justice Connect.
We can rarely help with criminal law, family law, compensation claims or visa applications.
That is, if the legal issue involves a claim against someone else, or defending a claim where there is a reasonable chance of success?
Public interest can refer to a legal issue involving an important point of law that is uncertain and requires clarification, or a case relating to an important right affecting a sector of the community. On occasion, we also consider assisting people with serious legal issues that will significantly affect their lives, where they would otherwise not access legal assistance, in the public interest.
If you’re a professional with further questions, please call our professional hotline on 1300 044 332.
Are you from a CLC?
If your CLC is looking for a barrister:
For community legal centres seeking pro bono legal assistance for matters that they are running, or access to pro bono merits assessments, please make a referral through our online Referrer Tool.
If your CLC is looking for legal help:
Our specialist Not-for-profit Law program provides free and low cost legal resources, training, and advice to CLCs and community organisations. Visit Justice Connect’s Not-for-profit Law website for more information.
Where else to direct someone for help
Select your state to find other services you can suggest to the person you’re supporting.
