Need a lawyer?

About Legal Aid NSW

Legal Aid NSW is a government organisation that helps people in NSW with their legal problems.

You might be able to talk to one of our lawyers and get some advice on what to do next. We have rules about who can speak to a lawyer. If you can’t afford a lawyer and you meet our criteria, we might be able to fund a lawyer to represent you in your case.

What our lawyers can help with

Our lawyers can help with all kinds of different legal problems.

criminal charges
driving offences
talking to police
your rights if you’re under 18.

employment rights
sexual harassment
discrimination.

domestic and family violence
apprehended violence orders (AVOs)
splitting up and divorce
child support
parenting orders
child protection issues involving DCJ (who used to be called DOCs or FACs).

fines, bills and debts
eviction, rent or mortgage problems
problems with Centrelink, NDIS and veterans’ payments.

I want to know more about the law

Our website includes lots of information about most legal problems:

I want to talk to a lawyer

Calling LawAccess NSW is the quickest way to talk to a Legal Aid NSW lawyer. LawAccess NSW is our call centre. They can book you an appointment with a lawyer if you are eligible.

The lawyer will give you advice on what to do next and may help you apply for ongoing help. Most people who qualify aren’t working and don’t have savings, but it depends on what kind of legal problem you have.

Ongoing help from a lawyer is not always free, but we charge a lot less than most lawyers. Our fees are based on how much money you have.

Where else can I get help?

Not everyone can talk to one of our lawyers. LawAccess NSW staff are not lawyers but can give you free information about the law. Anything you say to them is confidential.

They might give you the phone numbers or email addresses of other places you could go to talk to a lawyer or get other kinds of help.

Can I talk to a lawyer at court?

We have lawyers at most courts in NSW who may be able to help you if you don’t have a lawyer.

They are called duty lawyers. You can ask court staff about them when you arrive at court.

You should get legal advice or call LawAccess NSW before you go to court.

How do I speak to LawAccess NSW?

Start a web chat or call 1300 888 529 9am–5pm, Monday to Friday.

If you’re under 18 and in police custody, you can talk to a lawyer right away. Call our Youth Hotline on 1800 10 18 10.

If you need an interpreter, call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450 (9am–5pm) and ask for LawAccess NSW.

If you are deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairment, contact us through the National Relay Service (NRS). Ask for LawAccess NSW on 1300 888 529.