Pro Bono Connect
LawRight helps people in Queensland find a lawyer willing to assist for free.
Through our Pro Bono Connect service, we assess applications for legal help and connect vulnerable people and not for profit organisations with the Queensland legal profession for pro bono assistance in civil law matters.
Assistance can take different forms – from full representation, to one-off legal advice, or help with specific tasks – depending on the case and the resources available.
Who we can help?
We can assist:
- Individuals who cannot afford a lawyer or get legal aid (priority is given to those experiencing the greatest hardship)
- Not-for-profit community groups, particularly those with charitable purposes, working to address disadvantage and serving a wide group of people.
We generally cannot assist businesses or corporations, though small organisations may be eligible if the individuals involved meet our criteria.
Matters we cannot assist with
Pro Bono Connect does not provide assistance for:
- Family law
- Criminal law
- Native title matters
- Building and construction disputes
- Complex commercial disputes
In some cases, we may also consider whether the matter is ‘in the public interest‘, such as cases that:
- Affect a significant number of people
- Raise matters of broad public concern
- Impact particularly vulnerable or disadvantaged people.
Please download an information brochure (linked to the right) for more information about eligibility for assistance.
How we assess applications
We prioritise applications based on:
- Public interest considerations
- Hardship experienced by the applicant
- The potential benefit or outcome of the matter
- Likelihood of achieving a successful outcome
- Resources required to progress the matter
- Other options available to the applicant (including LawRight’s direct services)
How to apply?
To apply for assistance, please complete the online application form here.
If you cannot complete the form online, contact us to discuss alternative arrangements.
If you are unsure whether you are eligible for assistance, you can contact Pro Bono Connect on (07) 3187 4379 to discuss your legal matter so that we can determine whether you should submit an application for pro bono legal assistance. We will use telephone interpreters when needed. Our lawyers cannot give legal advice over the phone until you have been accepted as a client.
For not-for-profit organisations
LawRight is able to assist not-for-profit organisations facing a specific problem, such as negotiating a contract. Priority is given to those addressing disadvantage and benefiting a wide group of people.
We are generally unable to assist with disputes between, or internal to, not-for-profit organisations.
What happens after you apply?
- We assess your application based on the information you provide.
- If eligible, we seek assistance from our member law firms or barristers.
- If a lawyer is available and agrees to assist, we connect you directly.
- If we cannot refer your matter, we will explain why and suggest other options.
Member lawyers are not obliged to accept a referral, so we cannot guarantee assistance in every eligible matter.