Introduction
The Legal Aid Review Panel (LARP) is a crucial part of our commitment to ensuring transparency, fairness, and efficiency in the grants appeal processes for Legal Aid NSW. Established under Part 3 Division 3 of the Legal Aid Commission Act 1979 (NSW), the LARP is responsible for hearing and determining appeals related to the provision of legal aid.
Legal Aid Review Panels are comprised of one member, but where an appeal raises a complex question of law or policy, the Panel will include at least two members. The Panel stands in the shoes of the original decision-maker, possessing the same functions and discretions. Most appeals must be determined within 14 days, though urgent matters may require a quicker resolution. Appeals are dealt with on the papers, with no in-person hearings, and must comply with approved Legal Aid NSW policies and guidelines.
Expression of interest (EOI)
Selection criteria
Candidates for the Legal Aid Review Panel should meet the following criteria:
- be an Australian legal practitioner with at least seven years’ post-admission experience
- have civil law, family law, or criminal law experience
- have a sound understanding of administrative law principles
- be able to competently apply Legal Aid NSW eligibility policies and guidelines
- be able to determine appeals within timeframes established by Legal Aid NSW
- have an understanding of the needs of socially and economically disadvantaged persons.
Service agreement
The Service Agreement outlines the terms and conditions for panel members, including responsibilities, expected conduct, and the scope of services. This agreement ensures that all members are fully aware of their roles and the standards required for effective and fair decision-making.
LARP policies
Our policies are designed to support the integrity and efficacy of the Legal Aid Review Panels. These policies cover areas such as confidentiality, conflict of interest, decision-making processes, and compliance with legal standards.
Roles and responsibilities
Panel members are tasked with reviewing appeals and making decisions that reflect fairness and impartiality.
Responsibilities include:
- reviewing case files and relevant documents
- ensuring compliance with Legal Aid NSW policies and legal standards
- timely review of cases
- adherence to confidentiality and conflict of interest policies
- commitment to ongoing professional development.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
The Legal Aid Review Panel is a pool of persons appointed by Legal Aid NSW to act as members of the Legal Aid Review Panel.
Qualified legal practitioners across New South Wales are invited to submit a LARP expression of interest (PDF, 145 kb).
Panel members are appointed for a specified term as outlined in the Service Agreement.
Contact details
For any questions or further information, please contact:
Pauline Chau
Manager, In-house Counsel Unit
Email: pauline.chau@legalaid.nsw.gov.au
Glenn Sofinowski
Project Officer, Legal Aid Review Panel Secretariat
Email: glenn.sofinowski@legalaid.nsw.gov.au