Throughout 2001 and 2002 considerable efforts have been made to finalise arrangements for the administration of the Law Institute of Victoria ('LIV') Legal Assistance Scheme ('LAS') by PILCH. These efforts culminated in October 2002, with the commencement of a six month trial of this new arrangement, which sees the LIV LAS joining the PILCH scheme and the Victorian Bar Legal Assistance Scheme in administration by PILCH from its premises.

Upon the initiative of the Young Lawyers Section of the LIV, the LAS was originally established in February 1999. The LAS screens and channels requests for legal assistance to volunteer solicitors who undertake pro bono legal work for the clients. The LAS requires that clients have exhausted other avenues for legal assistance, and that they meet a means test. The LAS was administered for 18 months at the premises if the LIV before negotiations commenced for the current trial from PILCH's offices. The LAS solicitor and administrator have been hired on a part-time basis by PILCH for the duration of this trial period. The LIV will be providing funds to support the establishment of the LAS at PILCH. It is hoped that, if successful, the arrangement between PILCH and the LIV will continue.

During the trial period, the LAS will be re-launched. The aims of the trial period are to promote the LAS among the legal profession, community organisations and the general public, and to review its guidelines and procedures for it to function as effectively and efficiently as possible. The LAS will also foster the development of pro bono services within the Victorian legal profession, with the aim of increasing access to the legal system for clients of limited means who have meritorious claims and who are ineligible for legal aid.