Duty lawyer service
Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) helps people who cannot afford a lawyer with their legal problems. They provide information, education, advice and legal representation on different kinds of matters.
Help at the Bendigo Law Courts
There are lawyers on ‘duty’ (known as Duty Lawyers) at the Bendigo Law Courts. They can help if you are there for a hearing but do not have a lawyer.
Duty lawyers can help with different types of matters, including crime, family violence, child protection and matters for people who need intensive support. Depending on your circumstances, they may be able to:
- give you information
- give you legal advice
- represent you in court that day
- arrange for a legal aid lawyer to run your case.
This is a free service, but not everyone is eligible. The service may not be available on a daily basis.
It's best to speak to VLA(Opens in a new tab/window) before you go to court. Find out more about the duty lawyer service.(Opens in a new tab/window)
VLA is located on level 2.
For the Children’s Court Duty Lawyer Services go to the VLA counter in the Children’s Court (Mundy Street entry).
Find VLA locations in the building
Help at court - for criminal charges
If you have a criminal charge and your court date is more than 14 days away, you may be able to get legal advice from a lawyer to help you prepare. Learn more about this service here.(Opens in a new tab/window)
Reviewed 7 December 2023
