Community Legal Centres

There are well over 200 Community Legal Centres (CLCs) across Australia. CLCs are independent non-profit community organisations that provide nationally, across a State or Territory or within a region of a State or Territory:

• free legal services including advice, referrals, information and advocacy;
• legal education for organisations and communities;
• lobbying for social justice and access to the legal system, including legislative and policy reform. 

A CLC may assist you in referring your matter to a pro bono solicitor or barrister or assist you to prepare an application for Legal Aid.

They have become an important part of the Australian legal system, bridging the gap for those who cannot afford their own legal representation but for whom legal aid is not available.

Although services are directed toward those who cannot afford legal representation, a CLC's 'means criteria' may be less restrictive than that of Legal Aid.

To find the nearest one to you, see the directory of the National Association of Community Legal Centres (NACLC).

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