Parties with proceedings in QCAT may be able to obtain assistance from LawRight’s Court & Tribunal Services to self-represent or in limited circumstances, be given representation.

How we help people to self-represent

LawRight offers appointments with solicitors who provide advice and assistance with the legal tasks necessary to progress tribunal proceedings, including:

• advice about whether, and how, to commence or defend proceedings;
• advice about tribunal processes;
• assistance to draft documents such as applications, affidavits, submissions and other tribunal forms;
• assistance with preparing for hearings and appearing in QCAT;
• advice about appealing tribunal decisions; and
• advice about other options for the resolution of disputes.

Who can we help?

LawRight helps people who are involved in, or who are considering commencing legal proceedings in the following QCAT areas:

• Reviews of decisions about:
  • Blue Cards;
  • Disability Worker Screening;
  • Child Safety;
  • Victims Assist;
  • State Penalties Enforcement Registry (SPER); and
  • Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA);
• Guardianship and administration;
• Anti-discrimination;
• Right to Information and Information Privacy;
• Disciplinary matters for health practitioners; and
• Appeals and reopenings of the above matters.

We may also be able to assist with minor debt and residential tenancy matters where another community legal centre cannot help. For matters outside our usual areas, help is subject to our capacity and expertise.

How can I apply?

To apply for help from LawRight, please complete the application form here. If you are unable to complete the online form, contact us to discuss alternative arrangements.

LawRight staff review applications received and contact eligible self-represented parties to arrange an appointment with a solicitor. Currently, appointments are usually by telephone. If a telephone appointment would not be suitable for you, you can discuss this with us at the time of booking.

If you are not eligible for assistance, you will be notified of our reasons in writing.

If you are unsure whether you are eligible for assistance, you can contact us on (07) 3564 7561 to discuss your legal matter so that we can determine whether you should submit an application for 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.

Refer a client to the QCAT Office

If you want to refer a client to this service and the client is unable to apply for help themselves via the LawRight Application Form, please complete the Court and Tribunal Services Warm Referral Form and we will be in touch.

LawRight office at QCAT

Level 10, 259 Queen Street, Brisbane
P: (07) 3564 7561
E: [email protected]
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (subject to public health restrictions)

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
• Residential tenancy matters
• Matters in the Magistrates Court
• Matters not connected to Queensland
• Neighbourhood 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:

1. Public interest considerations
2. Hardship experienced by the applicant
3. The potential benefit or outcome of the matter
4. Likelihood of achieving a successful outcome
5. Resources required to progress the matter
6. 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 or via email on [email protected] 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 and who operate for a community purpose.

We are generally unable to assist with disputes between, not-for-profit organisations or between members of a not-for-profit organisation.

What happens after you apply?

1. We assess your application based on the information you provide.
2. If eligible, we seek assistance from our member law firms or barristers.
3. If a lawyer is available and agrees to assist, we connect you directly.
4. 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.