Which scheme is right for you?
When you make an inquiry to PILCH, your legal matter will be considered by all of our schemes according to their guidelines as set out below. We may require you to complete an application for one of these schemes if we think you are eligible for assistance.
Public Interest Law Scheme
Do you meet all of these criteria?
- Your matter has legal merit
- You are ineligible for Legal Aid
- You meet a means test
- Your matter is in the ‘public interest’
The public interest requirement means:
- The legal matter is for a non-profit organisation with public interest objectives, or
- The legal matter is for an individual, where that matter raises an issue which requires addressing for the public good and:
- affects a significant number of people (not just the individual)
- is of broad concern, or
- impacts on disadvantaged or marginalised groups.
If your matter meets these criteria, PILCH may be able to refer your matter to a solicitor and/or a barrister who will provide legal assistance for free.
Victorian Bar Pro Bono Scheme (VBPBS)
Do you meet all of these criteria?
- Your matter has legal merit
- You are ineligible for Legal Aid
- You meet a means test
- The provision of assistance is in the ‘interests of the administration of justice’
If your matter meets these criteria, VBPBS may be able to refer your matter to a barrister who will provide legal assistance for free. Assistance from VBPBS can cover the provision of legal advice, the drawing up or settling of court documents, representation before a court or tribunal, or any other assistance which a barrister is ethically permitted to provide. VBPBS will consider applications in most areas of law.
Law Institute of Victoria Legal Assistance Scheme (LIVLAS)
Do you meet all of these criteria?
- Your matter has legal merit
- You are ineligible for Legal Aid
- You meet a means test
If your matter meets these criteria, LIVLAS may be able to refer your matter to a solicitor who will provide legal assistance for free. LIVLAS arranges all aspects of legal assistance provided by solicitors, from advice to representation in courts or tribunals. LIVLAS will consider applications in most areas of law.