The Law Society’s Pro Bono Scheme is an application-based program where eligible applicants are referred to solicitors who provide legal assistance for free or on a substantially reduced fee basis. 

This legal assistance can include legal advice, preparing documentation and/or representation in Court. 

The Pro Bono Scheme also provides legal assistance on an in-house basis for eligible applicants.

Who is eligible?

To be eligible for assistance under the Scheme, applicants must:

• Have applied for and been refused Legal Aid (please provide us with correspondence confirming this) or have a matter for which Legal Aid is not available 
• Satisfy the means assessment applied by the Scheme
• Have a matter that has merit and/or reasonable prospects of success
• Have a type of matter covered by the Scheme

While the Scheme will make every effort to help an eligible person, there is no guarantee that you will receive assistance.

The Scheme relies on the generosity of solicitors and we cannot compel a solicitor to accept the matter. 

Guidelines

The Law Society's Pro Bono Solicitor has the sole discretion to accept matters that are outside these guidelines due to exceptional circumstances, including disability, risk of physical harm to the applicant and extreme financial hardship.

How do I apply?

Complete and submit the online Application for pro bono referral form.

While we encourage all applicants to complete an application online we accept paper applications from applicants that cannot use this option.

Please follow these instructions:

1.   Print out the Application for pro bono referral form

2.   Fill out the form in full and sign and date on the back page

3.   Attach your supporting documentation including the following:

• Legal Aid refusal letter
• Bank statements for the last three (3) months (for the applicant and any financially associated persons)
• A print out from Centrelink detailing the entitlements the applicant is in receipt of (and any financially associated persons)
• Last three (3) payslips if working (and any financially associated persons)
• Any other supporting documentation including relevant court documentation

4.   Send the completed and signed application form and all documentation to:

       The Law Society of New South Wales
       The Pro Bono Scheme
       170 Phillip Street
       Sydney NSW 2000

Terms and conditions

Please see the attached terms and conditions relating to the Pro Bono Scheme here.

In submitting an application for Pro Bono Assistance, you agree to accept these terms and conditions.