Free legal help in Queensland: who does what

Free legal help exists in Queensland. The hard part is knowing which service fits your problem. Here is who does what, in plain words.

We give each organisation's website, and a public helpline where it matters. Hours and rules change, so check the website before you call. Most services have limits on who they can help, so ask early.

If you are in danger right now, call 000.

Legal Aid Queensland

Legal Aid Queensland is a government agency that provides free legal advice and information, representation and specialist services for people facing financial hardship.

• Legal information line: 1300 65 11 88, Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm.
• Youth Legal Advice Hotline: 1800 527 527, for people under 18 or with a Childrens Court matter.
• Drug Diversion Legal Advice Line: 1300 004 924, for people 18 or older.

Website: legalaid.qld.gov.au

Duty lawyers

A duty lawyer is a free lawyer at court. The family law duty lawyer can give information and advice, help with court forms, and talk to you about Legal Aid. You can use one only if you are representing yourself and have not had legal advice about the matter. They generally do not appear in court with you.

Go early on your court date and bring all your court papers. If your appearance is by phone, you can book ahead. See the family law duty lawyer page on the Legal Aid website. Legal Aid also runs domestic violence duty lawyers at some courts.

If you have been charged with an offence, see I have been charged and I have to go to court.

Community legal centres

Community legal centres provide free or low-cost legal help, often to people who cannot get it elsewhere. Community Legal Centres Queensland says there are 32 independent, community-led centres across the state. Their site has a directory: use it to find your nearest one.

Website: clcq.org.au

Caxton Legal Centre

Caxton Legal Centre offers free legal and social support to people who are disadvantaged or on a low income. Its work covers family law and domestic violence, financial rights, employment, seniors, and sexual harassment and discrimination, among others. It says it cannot help with matters such as immigration, wills and estates, workers' compensation, personal injury or Centrelink disputes.

• Phone: 1800 229 866, Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:30pm.

Website: caxton.org.au

LawRight

LawRight offers three free civil law services: help for people facing homelessness, a service that connects people with pro bono lawyers, and support for people representing themselves in courts and tribunals. Check its website for what it covers and how to apply.

Website: lawright.org.au

Specialist services

• Tenants Queensland: a free statewide phone advice service for tenants, on 1300 744 263. Hours are 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, with evening hours on Tuesday and Wednesday. See tenantsqld.org.au. Our renting guides, such as a notice to leave, point here.
• Women's Legal Service Queensland: free legal advice and support for women, including family violence, separation, parenting and child protection. Helpline 1800 957 957, Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:30pm. See wlsq.org.au. Our guide on a protection order has more.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service (ATSILS): civil, family and criminal law services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Queensland. Free call: 1800 012 255. After hours it only takes new arrest notifications. See atsils.org.au.
• Fair Work Ombudsman: free information on pay and workplace rights, for employees and employers. Fair Work Infoline: 13 13 94, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5:30pm. The Ombudsman does not represent either side in a dispute. See fairwork.gov.au and our guide on unpaid wages.

If you want to pay a private solicitor

The Queensland Law Society has a Find a Solicitor search at youandthelaw.com.au/directory. You can search by location, name and area of practice. Only members who have chosen to be listed appear, and the Society does not give legal advice itself. We do not recommend any firm. Ask about costs at the start.

How to get the most from a call

• Have your papers and dates in front of you.
• Write down the one question you most need answered.
• Ask if there is a deadline you should know about.
• Ask what the service cannot help with, and who can.

You may be told a service cannot help you. Ask who can, and keep going. For the difference between what we do and what a lawyer does, read general information or legal advice.