Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do you provide a walk-in service?
No walk-in service is available. All contact to Law Access must be made by phone or email. All initial information will be provided in this way.


Does a list of ‘pro bono lawyers’ exist?
Law Access does not have a list of pro bono lawyers. The only thing Law Access can do is ask members of the legal profession whether they would consider rendering assistance to a successful applicant on a pro bono basis. The Law Society of Western Australia does not have any power to compel a legal firm to assist with matters on a pro bono basis. The decision to do pro bono is completely voluntary and at a legal firm's discretion.


Does Law Access provide legal advice and representation?
Law Access does not offer any legal advice or information nor do we act as your lawyer when we receive applications for pro bono referral. The previous service, Shopfront Lawyer, is no longer operational and has been replaced by the Pro Bono Referral Scheme which does not provide advice or representation.


How long does the whole process take?
The process for referral may take a significant period of time depending on the complexity of the case, the amount of time it takes to assess the matter, and the amount of time it may take to place the matter with the appropriately matched practitioner. At a minimum, it may be between four to eight weeks. However, we cannot guarantee that a matter, even if successfully assessed for merit, can be placed at all.


Is there an application fee?
There is no application fee. The application process is provided as a free service to the community.