Federal Court Self-Representation Service
JusticeNet's Self-Representation Service provides free legal assistance to people who are involved in general federal law proceedings in the Federal Courts and cannot afford a lawyer.
Important update on how to apply
JusticeNet is in the final stages of becoming part of Justice Connect. JusticeNet is no longer accepting new applications. If you need legal assistance, please apply via the Justice Connect website under the Get Help section linked here.
If you have an active matter with JusticeNet and consented to your information being transferred to Justice Connect, that transfer has now been completed. Justice Connect's SA team will continue to progress eligible matters and assist you, and can be contacted on our usual phone number 08 8410 2280.
How we can help
The Service can provide clients with:
- legal advice about their matter;
- help drafting documents, including correspondence and court forms;
- assistance with preparing for court;
- advice about other options for the resolution of disputes.
The Service offers help to clients throughout the course of their proceedings. There is no limit to the number of appointments a person may receive, subject to their continuing eligibility. Telephone appointments are available where necessary.
The Self-Representation Service will not act as your lawyer. We will not:
- be responsible for any limitation periods that may affect your matter;
- take on conduct of your legal problem or court proceeding;
- represent you at hearings or trials;
- act for you as your solicitor on the court record;
- sign documents on your behalf;
- communicate with the court, the other parties or legal representatives on your behalf; or
- pay for any fees, disbursements or costs orders incurred by you.
The service does not provide assistance with criminal, native title, family law or complex commercial matters.
Please note: clients are at all times responsible for meeting any deadlines imposed by the law, the Court or tribunal, or any other parties
Am I eligible?
You may be eligible for help if you are...
- involved in proceedings, or prospective proceedings, in the Adelaide or Darwin registries of the Federal Court or the Federal Circuit Court;
- are not represented;
- cannot afford private legal assistance; and
- are ineligible for legal aid and;
- if you have a matter that falls within our areas of expertise and;
- your case is found to be meritorious.
Contact us
Self-Representation Service (Federal Courts) SA/NT
Level 7, Roma Mitchell Commonwealth Law Courts Building
3 Angas Street, Adelaide
Post: GPO Box 11024, Adelaide SA 5001
Phone: (08) 8410 2280 or 1800283661 (for callers outside Adelaide)
Email: fcsrs@justicenet.org.au
The service is open Monday to Thursday 9am - 5pm and Friday 9am to 2pm.
Thank you
The FCSRS is funded by the Commonwealth Attorney-General's Department
JusticeNet acknowledges the generous support of the following organisations:
Our participating law firms;
- Cowell Clarke
- Dentons
- Finlaysons
- Hall & Wilcox
- HWL Ebsworth
- MinterEllison
- Thomsons
- Piper Alderman
- Sparke Helmore