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Introduction

Duty solicitors are often required to provide defendants with information about applying for legal aid, and to assist them do so, particularly those defendants who are in custody or detention. All duty solicitors therefore need to know about how to help people complete legal aid application forms, and how those applications are processed and, in general terms, how people qualify for legal aid.

In addition to the duty solicitor service available in courts of summary jurisdiction there are many other free legal advice and information services available through the Legal Services Commission such as:

  • eligibility tested legal representation in court (legal aid);
  • representation in criminal matters through the Criminal Law Practice Division;
  • an after-hours custody service for people arrested and charged with indictable offences;
  • a prison advice service for a wide range of non-criminal matters including family law and child support;
  • a free legal information and advice service by telephone (Legal Help Line 1300 366 424) and through booked face-to-face appointments at eight metropolitan and regional offices;
  • free advice to assist with social security, Centrelink and minor civil matters;
  • a domestic violence support service;
  • community legal education programs and publications (many of which are provided free of charge, and some at modest cost);
  • a free migration advice and assistance service;
  • assistance and representation in relation to family law matters, including divorce and separation, children, property, location and recovery orders, and intervention orders through the Family Law Practice Division;
  • family law conferencing and other services provided by child and family counsellors through the Family Dispute Resolution Unit;
  • a free duty solicitor service to assist and advise people who are representing themselves in the Federal Circuit and Family Court ('FCFCOA') in Adelaide;
  • advice and representation for child support and paternity matters through the Child Support Unit;
  • advice and representation in child protection matters.

Further detailed information about these services is available through the Commission’s Website.

Introduction  :  Last Revised: Tue Aug 31st 2021