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The Victorian Bar Legal Assistance Scheme (VBLAS), established in 1995, provides referrals for pro bono advice and representation in cases which call for the retainer of a barrister. VBLAS relies upon the more than 400 Victorian barristers who have indicated a willingness to accept instructions for no fee or for a reduced fee in appropriate cases. The Victorian Bar is very proud of its pro bono commitments in the interests of improving access to the legal system for members of the public and are integral to the operation of the all other pro bono and legal assistance schemes currently existing in Victoria.
Since 2000, VBLAS has been administered under the umbrella organisation, Public Interest Law Clearing House ('PILCH'). Whilst VBLAS maintains its distinct identity, the alliance between PILCH and VBLAS ensures a more efficient, coordinated approach to prviding pro bono assistance. Notably, the Law Institute of Victoria Legal Assistance Scheme is also co-located at PILCH, providing ease of cross-referrals between pro bono barristers and solicitors. PILCH is grateful to the Victorian Bar Council and the members of the Bar generally for their ongoing commitment to VBLAS.
VBLAS was established in order to assist people whose matters have merit but would not otherwise be heard due to a lack of funds to pursue the cases. VBLAS is not a substitute to legal aid, and applicants are required to have unsuccessfully sought legal assistance from Victoria Legal Aid. Furthermore, applicants to VBLAS are required to have previously sought assistance from community legal centres or no-win-no-fee firms wherever possible.
Matters referred to barristers cover diverse areas of law including family, crime, migration, contract, trusts, tort, personal injury, TAC, employment, debt recovery, tenancy and discrimination.
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