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This factsheet is useful for anyone who has had their grant of legal aid approved. Print version: |
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How will Legal Aid Queensland help me?
Legal Aid Queensland helps financially and socially disadvantaged Queenslanders access justice by providing legal information, advice and representation.
We provide grants of aid to help people who need legal assistance, but cannot afford to pay a private lawyer. Legal help is provided through our own solicitors and private solicitors (called preferred suppliers).
What type of aid have I been given?
The ‘application result’ explains the type of legal aid you have been given and any conditions placed on the grant.
Please read the application result carefully.
If you have any questions about your legal aid or if you want to appeal against the conditions on your grant, please call or visit the Legal Aid office looking after your file.
What will my solicitor do?
Your solicitor will explain:
- what work has to be done on your case
- how long your case is likely to take
- your case’s progress
- reasons for any delay
- what costs you might have to repay to Legal Aid Queensland when your case has ended
- what happens if you do not pay the costs
- how to ask Legal Aid Queensland to reconsider the costs
- how to apply for more aid.
How do I make the most of my aid?
Your solicitor has agreed to be paid the Legal Aid Queensland rate to look after your case. The rate is generally lower than what your solicitor could charge if you were a private client.
In most cases your solicitor is given a set amount of money or time to look after you case.
Your solicitor will be able to spend the full amount of time on your case if you:
- give your solicitor the information needed for your case
- only make necessary telephone calls and appointments with your solicitor
- attend all appointments or tell your solicitor if you cannot keep an appointment.
What if I’m not happy with my solicitor?
Talk to your solicitor if you have problems with the service you get. If you still have concerns after talking to your solicitor, please call your local Legal Aid Queensland office or call our Client Information Service on 1300 65 11 88 (for the cost of a local call anywhere in the state).
Our staff are here to help you and will try to understand your needs so your case can be dealt with quickly.