- Published:
- Wednesday 23 September 2026 at 1:01 pm
We recognise that panel lawyers would value more opportunities to provide formal feedback and input on changes that we make. We want to better understand how we can best support you in undertaking work for legally aided clients.
We are seeking expressions of interest for our Private Practitioner Advisory Group (PPAG). The PPAG will comprise up to 30 lawyers from across the state across different areas of practice. This group will provide us with expert and impartial advice on a range of issues, including policy and process changes, fee changes and projects that may impact panel practitioners.
Advice from members will be used to contribute to continuous improvement at Victoria Legal Aid in the delivery of legal services and the supports we provide to our practice partners.
Requirements
Lawyers must:
- be a regular provider of legal aid services to clients and be a current panel member under sections 29 or 30 of the Legal Aid Act 1978 (Vic) and/or our Private Practitioner Short Service (duty lawyer) Schemes commit to two online meetings of the PPAG per year, plus additional meetings as scheduled
- be prepared to engage constructively in providing advice, input, and experience with a solutions-focussed approach to addressing issues
- be prepared to participate in the group for a two-year term.
Remuneration
Lawyers will be paid at an hourly rate, in line with the duty lawyer hourly rate (indexed annually), for the meetings up to and including two hours to be paid on receipt of an invoice.
Expressions of interest
If you are interested in membership to the PPAG please email your expression of interest (EOI) to the Director, Legal Practice, at PPAdvisoryGroup@vla.vic.gov.au and include the following details:
- date of admission to practice law
- areas of legal practice
- legal aid panels you are a member of
- whether you are a principal or certifier of the firm
- address of your primary place of business
- your firm’s ABN
- in one paragraph, why you would like to be part of the PPAG.
Closing date for EOIs: 9 October 2026
Next steps
We will consider the EOIs we receive and then invite practitioners to join the PPAG based on your level of interest and motivation for participating in the group. We aim for the PPAG to be comprised of a broad mix of panel law type and location, with a mix of regional and metropolitan practitioners.
We will be in touch with practitioners selected. If you do not hear from us, then you have not been selected in this offer round but may be contacted if a vacancy arises or practitioners reach the end of their term.
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