Victoria Legal Aid

About Victoria Legal Aid

Victoria Legal Aid is an independent statutory body, jointly funded by the state and commonwealth governments, that provides legal aid services to the Victorian community.

Services include:

• providing legal information, assistance and advice
• offering free representation at court by organising a duty lawyer
• educating the community about legal rights and responsibilities via free publications, seminars and workshops.

Victorian Legal Aid offices are located throughout Victoria, including at courts, jails and other institutions

Is Legal Aid free?

Many legal aid services are free; and there are no application fees for a grant of legal assistance. However, if you are offered legal assistance you may have to pay back some or all of your legal costs. This is called a contribution and it can be paid in one amount or by monthly instalments. The amount you will be asked to pay depends on your financial position.

Further information

For more specific information about Victoria Legal Aid, including objectives, services and application forms, see the Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) website or read the brochure Do You Have a Legal Problem. For detailed information about applying for legal aid, see the Victoria Legal Aid Handbook. For further contact information for all of the VLA offices, see the 'Contact Us, VLA Offices' section of the site.

Contacts

Victoria Legal Aid
Tel: 9269 0234
Tel: (toll free for regional callers) 1800 677 402

Legal Information Service
Tel: 9269 0120
Tel: (toll free for regional callers) 1800 677 402