Legal advice
If you decide to represent yourself in court, we strongly recommend that you still get legal advice and discuss your case with a qualified lawyer.
Below are some options for seeking legal advice.
LawRight
LawRight helps people who can’t afford private legal assistance and aren’t eligible for legal aid.
They provide free independent legal advice during appointments with volunteer lawyers to help people represent themselves in the best way.
This service may help you if you’re representing yourself in a civil case in the District Court, Supreme Court or Court of Appeal.
Note: If you wish to seek the services of LawRight, contact them as early as possible, as there may be a wait of up to two weeks for an appointment depending on circumstances.
What they do
Volunteers provide:
- advice about whether, and how, to commence proceedings
- advice about court and tribunal processes
- assistance to draft documents, such as applications, statements of claim, defences, affidavits and submissions
- assistance to draft court and tribunal forms
- assistance with preparing for trial and appearing in court
- advice about appealing court and tribunal decisions
- referral for pro bono mediation
- advice about other options for resolving disputes.
What they don’t do
The service and solicitors do not:
- take responsibility if a limitation period expires before you can access help from the service
- conduct your legal problem or court proceeding
- represent you at hearings or trials
- act as your solicitor on the court record
- sign any documents on your behalf
- communicate with the court, other parties or legal representatives on your behalf
- pay any fees, disbursements or costs orders that you incur.
Contact LawRight for information about applying for an appointment.
Legal Aid Queensland
Legal Aid Queensland provides legal advice over the phone and on their website, and other services to help you in court.
Legal Aid Queensland (LAQ) continues to provide duty lawyer services to courts in the south east of the State despite the evolving COVID-19 situation.
Those wanting assistance prior to their court date can contact LAQ on one of the following numbers to receive advice before their court appearances:
- if you are due to appear in a Magistrates Court, you should call 1300 65 11 88
- if you are due to appear in a Childrens Court you should call the Youth Legal Advice Hotline 1800 527 527.
There may be variations between courthouses as to how the duty lawyer services are being delivered because of the COVID-19 situation. However, this will not impact on your ability to receive legal advice and representation from a duty lawyer on the day of court at all Magistrates Courts in the south east. Court staff will direct you as to how to access the duty lawyer services when you arrive at court.
See more information on duty lawyer services for domestic violence and child protection matters .
Community legal centres
Your local community legal centre may provide legal advice and assistance.
See the list of the community legal centres in Queensland.
Queensland Law Society
Queensland Law Society (QLS) can help you to find a solicitor or law firm. The ‘Find a Solicitor’ tool on the QLS website allows you to search by area of law and location.
Contact QLS for more information.
Bar Association of Queensland
Bar Association of Queensland (BAQ) can help you to find a barrister. The Barristers Directory is available on the BAQ website under ‘Find a Barrister’.
Contact BAQ for more information.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service (Qld) Ltd
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service (ATSILS) is a community-based organisation that provides professional and culturally proficient legal services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Queensland.
Contact ATSILS for more information.
Queensland Indigenous Family Violence Legal Service
Queensland Indigenous Family Violence Legal Service (QIFVLS) provides culturally appropriate legal and support services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are victims of family violence.
Contact QIFVLS for more information.