Community legal centres give free and confidential help. Answer a few questions on Find free legal help to find out who you should contact for legal advice, information, or support.
Navigating the legal system can be a challenging process. People who need urgent legal support often do not know where to go for help, and can find themselves on a 'referral roundabout'. Often, they tell their story to different services to find that help, which community legal centres acknowledge can be a re-traumatising experience.
We’re using technology to address these barriers, increase access to justice for people in New South Wales, and ensure that people are able to find the support they need in a timely and safe way.
How does it work?
Users of the 'Find Legal Help' website are asked three questions, and the application recommends which community legal centre/s may be able to help. The questions cover legal area, location, and demographic information.
Who is it for?
Our 'Find Legal Help' website has been designed for people who want to find the best community legal centre/s to contact. The website uses plain language and a user-friendly interface. It will also be a useful directory resource for other legal assistance providers and community organisations.
You can also view a list of all community legal centre services. This page is printable, if a hard copy or PDF guide works best for your organisation or community.
Using technology to connect people with free legal help
Each year, tens of thousands of people visit Community Legal Centres NSW's website to find a community legal centre who can help them. Many people come searching for help outside of work hours or on the weekend.
This website aims to reduce the distressing and confusing impact of the 'referrals roundabout'. It gives people who are looking for legal help online specific and accurate recommendations about the community legal centres that are right for them.
With this new website, Community Legal Centres NSW is able to update services' information and legal areas in real-time, making it the go-to place for up-to-date and accurate information about community legal centre services.
It is not intended to replace existing referrals services, such as Law Access NSW. All users are given Law Access NSW as an option on the opening page and the 'results' page.
Further questions?
If you have any feedback or questions, we are always looking to improve. Please reach out to directory@clcnsw.org.au to chat further.