Free legal advice is available to people about most legal matters, except corporate or business law. The role of the legal adviser is to identify the person’s problem, to inform them of their rights and obligations and to help them understand what course(s) of action can be taken. Such legal advice is available over the telephone through the Commission’s Legal Help Line on 1300 366 424 (local call cost) which operates Monday to Friday from 9.00am –to 4.30pm. Otherwise a thirty minute appointment can be made to attend an advisor in person. This can be arranged through the Advice Line or by telephoning the nearest Commission office (visit the Commission's website for contact details).

Examples of where people should be referred for face-to-face appointments include those matters where there are documents to be examined, where a problem is complex or too lengthy for a telephone call, or where a person is distressed or has difficulties with language. In some cases where a person has particular difficulties, such as language or literacy problems, an adviser may be able to arrange an interpreter or offer additional minor assistance, such as drafting a letter.

The advisory service deals with a wide range of both legal and non-legal problems and clients can be referred to other agencies where appropriate. For professional reasons, legal advisers cannot give a second opinion if the matter is already being handled by another solicitor. However, general advice about basic principles may be given to clarify any misunderstandings. Further information is available on the Commission’s website.

The Advice Section of the Commission offers an outreach advice service on a fortnightly basis in Mount Barker and Murray Bridge. A telephone advice appointment can be made for people living in other regional areas by calling the Legal Help Line and requesting advice phone back assistance.

The Commission has specialist domestic violence workers who are available for free advice appointments or telephone advice to people with family law and other matters where domestic violence is a factor. Appointments can be made by telephoning 8111 5600.

To assist people with language difficulties the Commission will arrange and pay for an interpreter to be present at an interview provided that the need for an interpreter is notified when making an appointment for the interview. Telephone advice is not available in other languages, but it is possible to provide a three-way link with an interpreter via the Translating and Interpreting Service.

The Family Law Practice Division is able to provide assistance, advice and representation in family law matters [see Family Law on the LSC Website for further information].

Child support advice is available from within the Family Law Practice Division to assist carer and liable parents with child maintenance problems. Initial assistance is provided through a telephone call back service and a free follow-up interview can be arranged where necessary. Appointments can be conducted by telephone or in person at the Adelaide office of the Commission. The telephone number for the Child Support Unit is 8111 5576.

The Commission has a Community Legal Education section which is responsible for the production of educational and publicity materials as well as the Law Handbook Online (SA). A full list of the Commission’s pamphlets and brochures is available on the Commission’s website and all materials can be downloaded [see Publications].

The Community Legal Education section runs educational programs for targeted groups such as new migrants, young people and those with disabilities. It also offers information resources and sessions to the public, community workers and Commission staff [see Community Education on the Commission’s Website for further detailed information].