JusticeNet has released a new independent evaluation of its Pro Bono Connect service, confirming its critical role in connecting South Australians with free legal help—and delivering significant value across the justice system.

Conducted by Kate Fazio Consulting, the evaluation covers the period from FY2023 to FY2025 and finds that a relatively modest investment in the service has translated into substantial legal assistance for people who would otherwise go without representation.

Over three years, Pro Bono Connect leveraged under $500,000 in funding to generate more than 20,800 hours of pro bono legal work, valued at $7.98 million. In practical terms, that means every dollar invested in the program returned the equivalent of thousands in legal services.

The report confirms that JusticeNet plays a unique role in the legal assistance landscape. As a service of last resort, it supports individuals and community organisations who cannot afford a lawyer and are unable to access legal aid or other services. At the same time, it acts as a gateway to the pro bono legal profession, connecting eligible matters with lawyers willing to contribute their expertise - with 75% of lawyers surveyed saying they would do less pro bono work without JusticeNet

The impact is felt not only in numbers, but in outcomes. Most clients who received pro bono assistance achieved positive results, including successful litigation outcomes and negotiated settlements. Many also reported saving both time and money, with more than half saying the assistance made a meaningful contribution to resolving their legal problem.

Beyond individual cases, the evaluation highlights the broader value of the service. By helping people understand their legal options, screening matters for merit, and directing those who are ineligible to other forms of support, JusticeNet reduces pressure on courts and legal services. It also ensures that pro bono resources are directed where they can make the greatest difference.

The report also makes visible the significant “behind-the-scenes” work undertaken by the Pro Bono Connect team. For every successful referral, 4 enquiries are handled and 2 to 3 applications assessed—demonstrating the scale of effort required to deliver each placement.

Importantly, the evaluation provides a roadmap for the future, identifying opportunities to improve data capture, streamline processes, and enhance the experience for people seeking help. JusticeNet has already begun implementing these recommendations.

Overall, the findings reinforce the value of Pro Bono Connect as both a direct support service and a critical piece of justice system infrastructure—one that extends the reach of the legal profession and helps ensure that access to justice is not determined by financial means.

Between FY2023 and FY2025, the program:

• Managed 1,343 enquiries from people seeking legal help
• Processed 689 formal applications
• Delivered 379 pro bono referrals, assisting 205 clients
• Generated 20,845 hours of pro bono legal work, valued at $7.98 million

With total program funding of $476,931, this equates to:

• 16.7 hours of pro bono work leveraged for every $1 spent
• A return valued at approximately $6,411 per dollar invested

These figures demonstrate the powerful role of Pro Bono Connect as a multiplier—transforming limited funding into meaningful access to justice.

The report was funded by Law Foundation of South Australia, and we thank them for the support in this invaluable piece of work.