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.

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Duty lawyer services

About duty lawyer services

Duty lawyer services are provided at a number of courts and tribunals across Victoria. Duty lawyers may be in-house staff, or approved private practitioners that we fund.

To ensure high-quality services, private duty lawyers are approved by Victoria Legal Aid. Under the Private Practitioner Short Service Scheme (PPSSS).

What duty lawyers do

Duty lawyers help people who are attending a court or tribunal hearing and who require assistance on the day. This service is free and can cover:

  • child protection
  • youth crime
  • adult summary crime
  • intervention orders
  • family matters
  • some civil matters, such as Mental Health Tribunal hearings.

Help provided by the duty lawyer depends on the person’s circumstances, and may include information, legal advice or representation in court. For duty lawyer services for adult criminal offences, an income test applies to all accused not in custody.

Read more about Help at court and who can see a duty lawyer.

How we manage the Private Practitioner Short Service Scheme (PPSSS)

Each agreed private practitioner delivering short-service scheme work is managed by a co-ordinator from one of our offices.

We run an open application process across all our office locations. This provides interested and eligible firms the opportunity to apply for a PPSSS contract. To become a duty lawyer, private practitioners must meet the criteria for approval. If endorsed by Victoria Legal Aid, you will become an approved practitioner eligible to deliver work under the scheme.

We expect private practitioners to meet the standards of service outlined in the:

Private Practitioner Short Service Scheme to deal with conflicts

Private practitioners may be referred help seekers in summary crime, youth crime and family violence matters if the Victoria Legal Aid duty lawyer is unable to act due to a conflict of interest.

It does not alter arrangements in place for existing private practitioner short-service scheme commitments.

For more information see Private practitioner duty lawyer scheme to deal with conflicts.

Apply for the Private Practitioner Short Service Scheme

Learn more and apply for the Private Practitioner Short Service Scheme.

Contact us

The director of Legal Practice is responsible for the administration of agreed private practitioner short service scheme.

For enquiries and issues with how joining one of the schemes, email the coordinator at ppsss@vla.vic.gov.au

If your enquiry relates to an upcoming court case, please contact Legal Help.

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