Victorian Self-Representation Service

About our Victorian Self-Representation Service

Our Victorian Self-Representation Service helps people who are going to court without a lawyer in the Supreme Court of Victoria and the County Court of Victoria. 

Going to court on your own can be complex and overwhelming. Many people find themselves needing to understand legal processes, follow court rules, and make important decisions without support. 

Justice Connect provides clear, practical legal help so people can understand what is happening within the legal process, and what to do next. 

In the Supreme Court of Victoria, we support self-represented litigants in the Judicial Review and Appeals List. In the County Court of Victoria, we support self-represented litigants in the General List (Commercial Division). 

We do not assist with criminal law or IVO appeals, family law, planning appeals, personal injury matters, or common law matters.  

Why the service exists

More and more people are representing themselves in court. Many self-represented litigants face structural and practical barriers when trying to engage with court processes. Without support, people may: 

• not understand how court processes work 
• be unsure of their legal obligations or options 
• find it difficult to prepare for hearings or respond to the other party 

This can make it harder for people to participate effectively in their case and for matters to progress smoothly through the legal system. 

The service exists to provide targeted support at key points, helping people engage more confidently and effectively with the court process.

How the service works

The Victorian Self-Representation Service is a specialist legal service providing information and advice to people representing themselves in Victoria’s higher courts.   The service supports people in some types of matters before the Supreme Court and County Court, including appeals from VCAT and lower courts, and a range of civil and commercial matters. 

We help people to: 

• understand court processes and what is expected of them 
• prepare for hearings, mediations, and key steps in their matter 
• make sense of their options and next steps 
• complete specific legal tasks at important stages, helping avoid delays and misunderstandings 

Support is provided through one-hour appointments with pro bono lawyers and barristers, focused on helping people prepare for critical moments in the court process rather than ongoing representation. This may include legal advice, assistance preparing documents, and guidance on their options and next steps. 

We work closely with the courts to provide our support in flexible ways, including both in person at the court and remotely by phone. In some cases, people may receive more than one appointment depending on their needs.