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Pro Bono Connect

Pro Bono Connect assists individuals and not-for-profit organisations who cannot afford a lawyer to access legal services on a pro bono (free) basis.

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.

Please note: Our Pro Bono Connect service is currently experiencing high levels of demand. As a result, applications are taking 4 - 6 weeks to process.  

How we can help

We refer eligible individuals and charitable not-for-profit organisations who are experiencing civil law issues that relate to South Australian or Federal law. The degree of assistance that your pro bono lawyer can provide will depend on the nature of your legal problem and other factors.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for pro bono assistance an applicant is required to first satisfy both a means test and a merits test

Means Test

Each matter is assessed separately and an applicant must be eligible in relation to each matter to satisfy the Means Test.

JusticeNet will assess an applicant's means by reference to the applicant's

  • income;
  • assets; and
  • liabilities

Am I eligible?

We can  refer you for pro bono legal assistance if, to our satisfaction:

  • you have met the means test;
  • you have exhausted all other avenues for legal assistance; and
  • your case has legal merit.

We will also consider other factors such as whether your problem raises a matter of public interest, the capacity of the pro bono lawyers who participate in our service and our own resources.

Generally, we will give priority to individuals experiencing the greatest hardship and to not-for-profit organisations that are assisting the most vulnerable.

We cannot assist with urgent legal matters. If you need urgent legal assistance then please contact the Legal Help Line on 1300 366 424.

Please also be aware that Pro Bono Connect is not a crisis service and, if you are at risk of imminent harm, you should contact emergency services.

There are also certain types of legal matters that Pro Bono Connect cannot help with, either because pro bono resources are finite or because other legal services are better placed to assist:

  • family law matters (including child protection)
  • criminal law matters
  • wills and probate matters
  • complex commercial disputes
  • disputes over legal costs
  • building disputes
  • fencing disputes
  • traffic offences.

Click here for a list of other services or options if we cannot help with your legal problem.

Contact Us

IMPORTANT: Pro Bono Connect does not provide legal advice  over the phone. For over the phone legal advice, please contact the  Legal Help Line on 1300 366 424.

T 08 8410 2280 
E admin@justicenet.org.au

Thank you

JusticeNet's Pro Bono Connect acknowledges the generous support of the following individuals and organisations: