Victoria Legal Aid Handbook for Lawyers

Guideline 7 – Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal cases

Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) may make a grant of legal assistance to a person applying in the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal to be represented by an in-house practitioner where the case meets the State reasonableness test.

Where assistance is granted pursuant to this guideline, contributions assessed under the means test and equitable charges required under the Debt policyExternal Link will be waived.

Documentary requirements

Applications under this guideline are normally only within the simplified grants assessment process.

Lawyers seeking a grant of legal assistance via the simplified grants assessment process should submit an application via ATLASExternal Link , only after ensuring that the following documents are retained on file (unless they are requested by VLA for assessment):

  • a reference to guideline 7
  • the lawyer’s assessment of how the matter meets the State reasonableness test
  • documentary proof of any State special circumstances.

A community legal centre may submit an application under this guideline. Lawyers should submit an application via ATLASExternal Link for assessment. The following documents should also be submitted:

  • a reference to guideline 7
  • the lawyer’s assessment of how the matter meets the State reasonableness test
  • documentary proof of any State special circumstances

Reviewed 26 April 2023

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