FREE L AW D IRE CTORY A guide to the free and low-cost legal services in Canberra January 2013 Contents Page Cancer Patients 1 Centrelink 1 Consumer Law, Credit and Debt 2 Criminal Law 3 Discrimination 4 Domestic Violence Orders and Personal Protection Orders 5 Employment Law 5 Environmental Law 6 Family Law 7 General Law 8 Homeless Clients 10 Mental Health Legal Issues 11 Migration Law 12 Small Business 13 Tenancy Public Housing 14 Tenancy Private & Other Rental 14 Victims of Crime Financial Assistance 16 Wills and Power of Attorney 16 Youth Law 17 Legal Assistance (NSW) 17 Referral Information Form 19 Authority to exchange information form 20 Disclaimer: This publication is a guide only. While due care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the material contained in this publication, ACTLAF cannot take responsibility for any errors. i CANCER PATIENTS Service Cancer Council ACT Legal Referral Service Service Type Only for cancer patients and/or their family members. A referral service that connects clients with lawyers who provide free assistance to those who pass the means test. Clients who do not satisfy the means test can chose to have paid assistance. Can assist with drafting wills, powers of attorney, early access to superannuation, mortgage hardship variations, credit and debt issues, insurance claims and disputes, employment and discrimination and tenancy disputes amongst other issues. Referral Process Call Cancer Council Helpline to contact the service. Contact Details Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20 Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. CENTRELINK Service Welfare Rights and Legal Centre Service Type Advice and representation Referral Process Contact Details Clients phone advice line for advice. Advice Line: 6218 7977 Clients need to leave a message and their call will be returned. If the matter is urgent (e.g. an eviction), the client should make sure they say that in their message. Hours of operation: Mon, Tues, Thu, Fri 9.30 – 1pm Admin Line: 6218 7900. Only staffed from 9:00am to 1:00pm every day. Workers can phone the admin line to discuss whether a referral is appropriate or for urgent matters. 1 CONSUMER LAW, CREDIT AND DEBT Service CARE Financial Counselling Services Service Type Information and advocacy Referral Process Clients can phone during the day or drop in to the After Hours service. Services for residents of the ACT. CARE will refer clients to Consumer Law Centre when appropriate. The Consumer Law Centre of the ACT Free information, advocacy and legal advice in the areas of Consumer law, credit and debt, telecommunications and fair trading matters. 1. Will advise workers calling on behalf of clients or with general legal queries (no means/merits test applied) 2. One-off advice available to anyone 3. Potential ongoing clients require assets/means/merits test Legal Aid ACT Advice and advocacy No grant of Legal Aid required Contact Details Phone: (02) 6257 1788 Free call: 1800 007 007 Weekdays 9.30am to 4.30pm After Hours Service 5.30pm to 7.30pm each Wednesday Clients must meet CARE client criteria, For referral (via CARE) and for general which is: legal advice: ACT residents on low to moderate income. (Those receiving government income support automatically qualify for assistance) Phone: Free call: (02) 6257 1788 1800 007 007 Helpline: 1300 654 314 9am to 4pm Mon to Fri Helpdesk: 2 Allsop St Canberra City 9am to 5pm Mon to Fri For general advice or workers calling on behalf of clients, there is no means test. Clients can phone Helpline or drop into Helpdesk. Helpline/Helpdesk Email: [email protected] Reception: 6243 3411 2 CRIMINAL LAW Service Aboriginal Legal Service Service Type Advice and representation Referral Process Phone, email, or drop into the office to make an appointment to see a lawyer. Contact Details Phone: 6249 8488 9am to 5pm Mon to Fri Address: 7/9 Moore Street, Canberra Email: [email protected] Legal Aid ACT Advice and advocacy No grant of Legal Aid required Clients can phone Helpline or drop into Helpdesk. Helpline: 1300 654 314 9am to 4pm Mon to Fri Helpdesk: 2 Allsop St Canberra City 9am to 5pm Mon to Fri Helpline/Helpdesk Assistance in applying for a grant of legal assistance for representation. Email: [email protected] Reception: 6243 3411 Legal Aid ACT Criminal Law Section Representation by Legal Aid duty lawyer Contact the criminal law section. Phone: 6243 3407 Email: [email protected] 3 DISCRIMINATION Service Disability Discrimination Service (DDLS) Service Type Advice and Representation Note: This service will resume in February 2013 Legal Aid ACT Advice and advocacy No grant of Legal Aid required Referral Process Contact DDLS by phoning any time and leaving a message. We will call you back within 48 hours. Contact Details Phone: Fax: 6218 7900 6257 4801 Email: [email protected] If you cannot use the phone, then write, fax, or email or have a friend or family member call the Centre to discuss your needs. Clients can phone Helpline or drop into Helpdesk. Address: PO Box 337, Civic Square ACT 2608 Helpline: 1300 654 314 9am to 4pm Mon to Fri Helpdesk: 2 Allsop St Canberra City 9am to 5pm Mon to Fri Helpline/Helpdesk Email: [email protected] Reception: 6243 3411 Women’s Legal Centre Women only Advice and Representation Clients can phone advice line. Advice Line: Workers can phone the admin line to discuss referrals and urgent matters. Hours: 6257 4499 1800 634 669 Mon to Fri 9.30 to 12.00 Admin: Hours: 6257 4377 Mon to Fri 9.00 to 5.00 4 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND PERSONAL PROTECTION ORDERS Service Service Type Legal Aid ACT Domestic Violence and Personal Protection Unit Duty lawyer advice and representation Women’s Legal Centre Women only Advice and Representation Referral Process Contact the Unit with names of all parties involved. Contact Details Phone: 6207 1874 Address: Magistrates Court 4 Knowles Place Canberra Clients can phone advice line. Advice Line: Workers can phone the admin line to discuss referrals and urgent matters. Hours: 6257 4499 1800 634 669 Mon to Fri 9.30 to 12.00 Admin: Hours: 6257 4377 Mon to Fri 9.00 to 5.00 EMPLOYMENT LAW Service Night Time Legal Advice Service (NTLAS) Service Type Phone and drop in service Tuesday nights 6pm to 8pm. Referral Process Phone 6218 7999 on a Tuesday from 6pm. Or Drop in to the service at Havelock House on a Tuesday from 6pm. Contact Details Phone: 6218 7999 Address: Havelock House Corner Northbourne & Gould Streets Turner (entry on Gould Street) 5 EMPLOYMENT LAW Service Legal Aid ACT Helpline/Helpdesk Service Type Advice No grant of Legal Aid required Referral Process Clients can phone Helpline or drop into Helpdesk. Contact Details Helpline: 1300 654 314 9am to 4pm Mon to Fri Helpdesk: 2 Allsop St Canberra City 9am to 5pm Mon to Fri Email: [email protected] Women’s Legal Centre Women only Advice and Representation Clients can phone advice line. Advice Line: Workers can phone the admin line to discuss referrals and urgent matters. Hours: 6257 4499 1800 634 669 Mon to Fri 9.30 to 12.00 Admin: Hours: 6257 4377 Mon to Fri 9.00 to 5.00 ENVIRONMENTAL LAW Service The Environmental Defender’s Office (EDO) Service Type Referral Process Contact Details Advice on environmental and planning law. Environmental law issues only. Camilla Taylor Aim to increase public awareness of environmental laws and remedies. Provides community legal information including online fact sheets & publications. The EDO offers free initial legal advice of up to two hours. If further advice is required, the EDO Solicitor assesses a request for advice against the EDO’s Casework Guidelines. Advice: 6243 3460 Email: [email protected] http://www.edo.org.au/edoact/ 6 FAMILY LAW Service Aboriginal Legal Service Service Type Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients only. Care and Protection Matters Only. Referral Process Phone, email, or drop into the office to make an appointment to see a lawyer. Advice and representation Contact Details Phone: 6249 8488 9am to 5pm Mon to Fri Address: 7/9 Moore Street, Canberra City Email: [email protected] Legal Aid ACT Helpline/Helpdesk Advice only Clients can call Helpline or drop into the Helpdesk. No grant of Legal Aid required. Helpline: Helpdesk: Reception: Email: Legal Aid ACT duty lawyer service at Federal Magistrates Court Advice on court date Assistance to make court applications (but won’t fill in forms) Appear for adjournments (but cannot run hearings) No grant of Legal Aid required. Purpose of duty lawyer service is to assist self-represented persons i.e. a person in court or asking how to go to court. It is not a general advice service. This is a drop–in service only. 1300 654 314 9am to 4pm Mon to Fri 2 Allsop St Canberra City 9am to 5pm Mon to Fri 6243 3411 [email protected] The duty service operates at the Federal Magistrates Court. Address: 4 Knowles Place Canberra Monday: Tuesday: Wednesday: Thursday: Friday: 10am to 1pm 11am to 1pm 10am to 1pm 1pm to 3pm 1pm to 4pm 7 FAMILY LAW Service Legal Aid ACT Service Type Advice and advocacy No grant of Legal Aid required Referral Process Clients can phone Helpline or drop into Helpdesk. Helpline/Helpdesk Contact Details Helpline: 1300 654 314 9am to 4pm Mon to Fri 2 Allsop St Canberra City 9am to 5pm Mon to Fri Helpdesk: Assistance in applying for a grant of legal assistance for representation. Women’s Legal Centre Women only Advice and Representation Reception: Email: 6243 3411 [email protected] Clients can phone advice line. Advice Line: Workers can phone the admin line to discuss referrals and urgent matters. Hours: 6257 4499 1800 634 669 Mon to Fri 9.30 to 12.00 Admin: Hours: 6257 4377 Mon to Fri 9.00 to 5.00 GENERAL LAW Service Legal Aid Helpline/Helpdesk Service Type Information/referral/advice/minor assistance, limited advocacy Referral Process Clients can call the helpline or drop in to the helpdesk. Contact Details Helpline: 1300 654 314 9am to 4pm Mon to Fri Helpdesk: 2 Allsop street Canberra 9am to 5pm Mon to Fri Email: [email protected] 8 GENERAL LAW Service Service Type Night Time Legal Advice Service (NTLAS) Phone and drop in service Tuesday nights 6pm to 8pm. ACT Law Society Legal Advice Bureau Free 15-minute appointments at lunchtime on weekdays on any legal issue. Referral Process Contact Details Clients can phone on a Tuesday from 6pm or Drop in to the service at Havelock House from 6pm. Phone: 6218 7999 Clients can phone the Law Society to make an appointment. Phone: Clients can phone to make an appointment with the Salvos Legal Advice Clinic to see a lawyer on a Wednesday night. Workers are asked to send through a Referral Form. Clients can download an application form from the Law Society website. Phone: 1800 050 819 Fax: 6234 4111 Email: [email protected] Location: 1 Elder Street, Braddon ACT 2612 Phone: 6247 5700 Address: Havelock House, Corner of Northbourne Avenue and Gould Streets Turner, entry on Gould Street. 6247 5700 Family Law matters Wednesdays only. Legal Advice Bureau solicitors are not available for the drafting of documents or for court appearances. Salvation Army Legal Clinic Free advice and representation on consumer debts, fines, interactions with government, employment and civil law. ACT Law Society Pro Bono Clearing House Free advice and representation on any legal issue. Or phone the Law Society to have an application sent to them. Website: www.actlawsociety.asn.au/ 9 HOMELESS CLIENTS Service Street Law Service Type Clients who are homeless or at risk of homelessness only. Advice, supported referral, and representation in some circumstances. If clients are homeless we are able to assist them with any legal issue. Phone Street Law admin line to talk to a lawyer or make an appointment for a client at Street Law office, or phone an outreach to make an appointment at one of our outreach locations. Referral Process Contact Details Phone, email or drop in to the Street Phone: Law office to make an appointment to see a lawyer, or make an appointment Or free call: at one of the outreaches below. Monday 12:30 – 2:30 Inanna Southside 6295 3323 Tuesday (fortnightly) 9:00 – 11:00 Early Morning Centre 6247 5041 6218 7995 1800 STR LAW (1800 787 529) Location: Havelock House, Corner of Northbourne Avenue and Gould Streets Turner (entry on Gould Street). Email: [email protected] Thursday (women only) 10:00 – 12:00 Toora Women’s Day Program 6247 2399 Friday 10:00 - 12:00 MARSS 6248 8577 10 MENTAL HEALTH LEGAL ISSUES (CHALLENGE TO INVOLUNTARY TREATMENT ORDERS) Service Legal Aid ACT Service Type Advice and advocacy No grant of Legal Aid required Referral Process Clients can phone Helpline or drop into Helpdesk. Contact Details Helpline: 1300 654 314 9am to 4pm Mon to Fri Helpdesk: 2 Allsop St Canberra City 9am to 5pm Mon to Fri Helpline/Helpdesk Assistance in applying for a grant of legal assistance for representation. Email: [email protected] Crisis Assessment Treatment Team (CATT) The Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team (CATT) provides a 24-hour, seven day a week service used for assessment and treatment of mentally ill people in crisis situations. Phone the CATT Mental Health Triage Service. Reception: 6243 3411 Phone: or Phone: 1800 629 354 6205 1065 11 MIGRATION LAW Service Service Type Referral Process Contact Details ANU Migration Law clinic Advice Phone AIDS Action Council to make an Phone: appointment. 6257 2855 Companion House (IAAAS funding) Provides assistance to people applying for a protection visa. Call Companion House during office hours or email Sai Maung. 6251 4550 Email: [email protected] Provides assistance to people from refugee background to sponsor spouse or immediate family member. Legal Aid ACT Advice and advocacy No grant of Legal Aid required Phone: Clients can phone Helpline or drop into Helpdesk. Helpline: 1300 654 314 9am to 4pm Mon to Fri Helpdesk: 2 Allsop St Canberra City 9am to 5pm Mon to Fri Helpline/Helpdesk Assistance in applying for a grant of legal assistance for representation. Email: [email protected] Reception: ANU Students’ Association Advice—ANU students only. Provides advice on all areas of the law especially: Occupancy/tenancy agreements Consumer law Criminal law IP law Migration Email for appointment Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday or drop in. Appointments take precedence. 6243 3411 Phone: 6252 444 Email (direct advice): [email protected] Email (appointments): [email protected] Internet: http://www.anusa.com.au Address: ANUSA Level 1, Building 17a, Union Court, ANU 12 MIGRATION LAW Service Immigration Advice and Rights Centre Sydney (IAAAS funded) Service Type Australian immigration law, refugee and citizenship law. Provides free immigration advice to financially disadvantaged people in NSW (during hours of operation) by phone or face to face (with appointment) and provides case assistance to some clients who meet casework guidelines. Referral Process IARC accepts warm referrals from community organisations, as well as individual requests. Referrals and requests are made by calling the IARC's administration line. Contact Details Administration Line: 9279 4300 Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm. Advice Line: Tue & Thurs 9262 3833 2 – 4pm. Also runs immigration education workshop/programs. Publications include the Immigration Kit, an immigration newsletter called Immigration News and various information sheets published on our website. (www.iarc.asn.au). SMALL BUSINESS Service University of Canberra Small Business Legal Advice Clinic Service Type Advice on legal areas concerning small businesses during 45-minute consultations for a fee of $50. The clinic aims to provide initial advice and cannot assume management of matters. Referral Process Clients can call the school of law or book an appointment via email. Appointments take place at Bradley Allen Love offices 3.00pm-5.30pm, Tuesdays to Thursdays. Contact Details Phone: 6201 2852 Email: [email protected] Address: Level 8, University Ave, Canberra City 13 TENANCY: PUBLIC HOUSING Service Welfare Rights and Legal Centre Service Type Advice and representation Referral Process Contact Details Clients phone advice line for advice. Advice Line: 6218 7977 Clients need to leave a message and their call will be returned. If the matter is urgent (e.g. an eviction), the client should make sure they say that in their message. Hours of operation: Mon, Tues, Thu, Fri 9.30 – 1pm Admin Line: 6218 7900. Only staffed from 9:00am to 1:00pm every day. Workers can phone the admin line to discuss whether a referral is appropriate or for urgent matters. TENANCY: PRIVATE & OTHER RENTAL Service Tenants Advice Service Service Type Tenants only (no landlords or realtors) Advice and Representation No means test for advice; there is a merits test for representation. Referral Process Clients: Phone and leave a message between 10 and 11:30am Monday to Friday and an advice worker will return the call. Three attempts are made to return the call. If there is no capacity for the client to leave a message it means that demand is too high and they should try again the next day. Workers: If a matter is urgent, then you can call the admin line and an advice worker will contact the client. Contact Details Tenants Advice Line: 6247 2011. Hours of operation: 10 -11:30 am Monday -Friday. Admin Line: 6247 1026. Web site: www.tenantsact.org.au. 14 TENANCY: PRIVATE & OTHER RENTAL Service Welfare Rights and Legal centre Service Type Advice and representation for clients with health care cards only Referral Process Clients phone advice line for advice. Clients need to leave a message and their call will be returned. If the matter is urgent (e.g. an eviction), the client should make sure they say that in their message. Contact Details Advice Line: 6218 7977 Hours of operation: Mon, Tues, Thu, Fri 9.30 – 1pm Admin Line: 6218 7900. Only staffed from 9:00am to 1:00pm every day. Workers can phone the admin line to discuss whether a referral is appropriate or for urgent matters. Legal Aid ACT Helpline/Helpdesk Advice – no grant of legal aid required Clients can phone Helpline or drop into Helpdesk. Helpline: 1300 654 314 9am to 4pm Mon to Fri Helpdesk: 2 Allsop street Canberra 9am to 5pm Mon to Fri Email: [email protected] 15 VICTIMS OF CRIME (FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE) Service Legal Aid ACT Service Type Advice and advocacy No grant of Legal Aid required Referral Process Clients can phone Helpline or drop into Helpdesk. Helpline/Helpdesk Contact Details Helpline: 1300 654 314 9am to 4pm Mon to Fri 2 Allsop St Canberra City 9am to 5pm Mon to Fri Helpdesk: Assistance in applying for a grant of legal assistance for representation. Email: [email protected] Women’s Legal Centre Women only Advice and Representation Clients can phone advice line. Workers can phone the admin line to discuss referrals and urgent matters. Reception: Advice Line: Hours: 6243 3411 6257 4499 1800 634 669 Mon to Fri 9.30 to 12.00 Admin: Hours: 6257 4377 Mon to Fri 9.00 to 5.00 WILLS AND POWER OF ATTORNEY Service Public Trustee for the ACT Service Type The Public Trustee can prepare wills and enduring powers of attorney where the Public Trustee has been nominated as the executor and as the attorney for property and financial matters. Fees apply, see website for further information Referral Process Have client contact Public Trustee directly. Contact Details Phone: 6207 9800 Address: Ground floor, 221 London Circuit Canberra Mon – Fri 9am to 4.30 Hours: Website: http://www.publictrustee.act.gov.au/ 16 YOUTH LAW Service Youth Law Centre Service Type Clients must be aged 12-25 years. Free and confidential legal advice, information, referrals and minor assistance. May make supported referrals to Legal Aid for representation. Referral Process Accepts drop-in clients and referrals. Advice, information and referrals on all areas of law including Motor Vehicle Accidents, Tenancy, Debt, Family, Employment, and Criminal. Contact Details Phone: 6173 5410 Email: [email protected] Address: Level 1, 14 Childers Street, Canberra City Monday to Friday 12:00pm – 4:00pm LEGAL ASSISTANCE (NSW) Service Legal Aid ACT Service Type Family law and Criminal matters that occurred in the ACT Referral Process Clients can phone Helpline or drop in to Helpdesk. Contact Details Helpline: Helpdesk: Advice and representation Grant of Legal Aid required Clients must apply for a grant of Legal Aid. Free legal services in Phone LawAccess for referral to appropriate Phone or search website NSW agency, including Legal Aid NSW and CLCs LawAccess 1300 654 314 9am to 4pm Mon to Fri 2 Allsop St Canberra City 9am to 5pm Mon to Fri 6243 3411 Reception: Email: [email protected] Phone: 1300 888 529 9am to 5pm Mon to Fri Website: www.lawaccess.nsw.gov.au/ 17 LEGAL ASSISTANCE (NSW) Service Service Type Referral Process Queanbeyan Local Court Advice and representation in Queanbeyan South East NSW Women’s Legal Service Queanbeyan Braidwood Cooma Bombala Bega Tenancy advice Legal advice for women only. SW Tenants Advice Service Telephone advice: Mon - Fri 9:00 - 5:00 Welfare Rights and Legal Centre Social security advice only (no tenancy advice) Disability discrimination advice Clients can phone for advice Contact Megan Dove 251 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan Phone: 6284 3388 or phone: 1800 642 609 Phone: 6218 7977 Clients can phone for advice Phone: 6218 7900 Street Law (generalist advice for homeless clients) Women only Advice and Representation Clients can phone for advice Phone 6218 7995 Clients can phone advice line. Advice Line: Women’s Legal Centre Duty lawyer service provided by private solicitors on a roster at Queanbeyan Court. Phone court to get a copy of roster. Clients can phone for advice. Contact Details Areas of law include: Family, domestic violence, employment, tenancy, discrimination, victims compensation, debt, Centrelink, power of attorney and guardianship. Face to face appointments Wednesdays fortnightly in Queanbeyan, Family Law only Phone: 6298 0409 Advice line operates: Tuesday and Thursday 10.00am to 12.00 noon Freecall: 1800 229 529 Hours: 6257 4499 1800 634 669 Mon to Fri 9.30 to 12.00 Admin: Hours: 6257 4377 Mon to Fri 9.00 to 5.00 18 REFERRAL INFORMATION FORM Referral Date: Referring Organisation Contact name: ................................................................................................................................................................ Organisation: .................................................................................................................................................................. Phone:.......................................................................Email:............................................................................................ Client Information Client name: ................................................................................................................................................................... Address: ......................................................................................................................................................................... Phone:............................................................Email:....................................................................................................... Date of Birth: ................................................................................................................................................................. Other Parties Details: ..................................................................................................................................................... Brief outline of client’s matter (attach additional pages if necessary) ....................................................................................................................................................................................... ....................................................................................................................................................................................... ....................................................................................................................................................................................... ....................................................................................................................................................................................... ....................................................................................................................................................................................... ....................................................................................................................................................................................... Referral Information for client Your appointment is with:.............................................................................................................................................. on:...................................................................................................................Time:....................................................... The address:....................................................................................................Phone:..................................................... Please phone the following organisation and contact to make an appointment. Organisation: .................................................................................................................................................................. Contact:......................................................................................Phone:..........................................................................
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