Legal Representation

In appropriate circumstances Legal Aid WA can arrange for you to be represented by a lawyer. The lawyer may be a private lawyer or may be an in-house lawyer.

Otherwise you may be able to get the help of a duty lawyer.

Legal Services Provided by In-House Lawyers

Legal Aid WA employs lawyers throughout the State. These lawyers are available to represent applicants who get legal aid on a range of matters. Most of the in-house lawyers practice family law or criminal law. There are also lawyers who practice in the general civil law and immigration law areas.

There is a team of lawyers who deal specifically with youth law issues and represent young people appearing before the Children's Court. Lawyers also appear for parents and children in Children's Court in protection and care cases.

In-house lawyers regularly appear in Criminal, Family, Civil and Children's Court jurisdictions. They are able to represent people on a wide range of matters. This includes complicated court trials and appeals.

The in house lawyers do not decide who qualifies for a grant of legal aid and who doesn't. This decision is made by an assessing officer who applies guidelines to decide whether legal aid will be granted.

There are special rules which apply for immigration matters.

To obtain the services of an in-house lawyer

You may nominate to be represented by an in-house lawyer when applying for legal aid.

The courts which in-house lawyers appear in

Through its network of regional offices, the in-house lawyers are able to represent people appearing before courts in all parts of the State.

Legal content last updated: July 2008