We introduced quality tools around brief analysis, case strategy and handover to counsel.
Why we introduced these tools
We want to ensure a consistently high quality approach to documented legal analysis, communications between lawyers, trial planning, client care and file management for all legally aided cases.
Quality tools to assist with evidentiary analysis and case strategy development can assist practitioners to make sound forensic judgements at an early stage that form the foundation for the progress of a matter.
Good communications between solicitors and barristers will ensure that lawyers work together efficiently and trial preparation tasks are completed in accordance with a written trial preparation plan, reducing duplication and delay.
Checklists ensure that practitioners will consider all relevant matters at the various stages of a case.
The tools are consistent with our focus on ensuring the quality of legal aid work through practice standards, compliance systems and a pending program of quality auditing to provide better outcomes for clients, the courts and the community.
What happens next
A working group, including lawyers from private practice and community legal centres, collaborated to develop tools to:
- guide the analysis of a case at an early stage
- develop an articulated case strategy
- standardise handovers between solicitors and barristers
- provide procedural checklists to guide the conduct of each stage of a case.
The new quality tools are compulsory for our in-house practice immediately and highly recommended for private practitioners.
Download the tools
Brief analysis and case strategy (doc, 116 KB)
Handover to counsel (doc, 44 KB)
Allocation checklist (doc, 225 KB)
Indictable checklists for non-sexual offences
After brief served checklist (doc, 263 KB)
Before committal checklist (doc, 255 KB)
After committal to trial checklist (doc, 289 KB)
Pre-trial checklist (doc, 275 KB)
Post-plea checklist (doc, 227 KB)
Indictable checklists for sexual offences
Allocation checklist (sexual offences) (doc, 228 KB)
After brief served checklist (sexual offences) (doc, 281 KB)
Before committal checklist (sexual offences) (doc, 274 KB)
After committal to trial checklist (sexual offences) (doc, 303 KB)
Plea checklist (sexual offences) (doc, 252 KB)
Disclaimer: The material in this print-out relates to the law as it applies in the state of Victoria. It is intended as a general guide only. Readers should not act on the basis of any material in this print-out without getting legal advice about their own particular situations. Victoria Legal Aid disclaims any liability howsoever caused to any person in respect of any action taken in reliance on the contents of the publication.
We help Victorians with their legal problems and represent those who need it most. Find legal answers, chat with us online, or call us. You can speak to us in English or ask for an interpreter. You can also find more legal information at www.legalaid.vic.gov.au
Reviewed 18 May 2022