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Renewal of duty lawyer service contracts

Learn more about the Private Practitioner Short Service Scheme.

Published:
Tuesday, 2 September 2025 at 10:15 am

Duty lawyer services are provided at nominated courts and tribunals across Victoria. These services may be delivered by Victoria Legal Aid staff or by private practitioners.

We are proud to partner with approved private practitioners to ensure members of the public who need assistance from a duty lawyer receive high-quality services. This arrangement is known as the Private Practitioner Short Service Scheme (PPSSS).

PPSSS contracts are due to expire on Tuesday 30 September 2025.

We are commencing the process of contacting firms to renew their current contracts. The PPSSS contract sets out the general terms of service delivery and particulars, including any special conditions. Recent updates to the contract include clearer definitions, revised fee and invoicing expectations, and refined responsibilities for both parties – ensuring more timely and efficient processes.

We run an open application process across our 16 office locations, offering interested and eligible firms the opportunity to apply for a PPSSS contract. If endorsed by us, you will become an approved practitioner eligible to deliver work under the scheme.

If you have any queries about this process or the contract, please contact ppsss@vla.vic.gov.au

Updated

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