Does a person need a lawyer to help them apply?

The standard application form

A person does not necessarily need a lawyer to help them access, fill in and send a standard application form. The form has a summary guide which helps people fill out the form by themselves.

However, in many cases, people will want a lawyer to help them apply. Special rules apply to lawyers who give this help.

The simplified application form

Only lawyers who are with firms which are members of Victoria Legal Aid's (VLA’s) Section 29A Panel may apply using the simplified application form. Also, the legal matter must be one which VLA processes through its simplified grants assessment process.

A person can fill in the simplified application form themselves or they may instruct their lawyer to do so on their behalf. The form has a summary guide to help people fill out the form by themselves.

See aso: Helping a client apply for a grant of legal assistance.

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