The University of Tasmania Law School, as well as a number of community bodies and legal centres, provide legal assistance and referrals for individuals or groups seeking legal assistance. The following list is by no means exhaustive however should provide aggrieved parties with a place to start when identifying your legal rights and remedies. We recommend that you contact the Legal Aid Commission of Tasmania for an appropriate referral if it is not listed here.

Quick Links:

Student Legal Service (SLS) | Legal Aid | Hobart Community Legal Centre | Tenants Union | Private Lawyers

STUDENT LEGAL SERVICE (SLS) ^top^

The SLS acts as a first point of call for people who may or may not have a legal issue. The SLS helps these people with advice on what course of action to take and also as a referral service if there is a more appropriate service available. The SLS is free and confidential. Our office is open every Tuesday and Thursday during semester between 12-2pm. We are located at the Law Faculty on Level 1 next to the Law Café. If you have any queries or would like some assistance, please contact us on (03) 6226 2847 or email sls@law.utas.edu.au (no appointment is necessary).

The SLS is composed of fourth and fifth year students who graciously volunteer their spare time to help those in need of legal advice. The SLS cannot act for students because our volunteers have not been admitted to practice, however what we do do is offer advice on how best to proceed and what options are available.

LEGAL AID COMMISSION OF TASMANIA ^top^

The Legal Aid Commission of Tasmania is an independent statutory authority which is principally funded by the State and Federal Governments. The Commission employs its own staff lawyers, and utilises the services of private legal practitioners. The Commission is committed to the provision of the most effective, economical and efficient means of meeting the needs of the Tasmanian community.

The Legal Aid Commission of Tasmania provides free legal advice and representation subject to eligibility requirements, means testing and merits testing. Legal services in the areas of criminal law, civil law, family law, legal advice and community legal education are provided by the Commission from its head office in Hobart and offices in Launceston, Burnie and Devonport.

The Commission also offers free telephone legal advice between 9:00am and 5:00pm on weekdays. The telephone number for this service is 1300 366 611 (for the cost of a local call).

HOBART COMMUNITY LEGAL CENTRE ^top^

The Hobart Community Legal Centre provides legal advice sessions and Department of Social Security assistance regarding appeals. Their contact number is (03) 6223 2500.

TENANTS UNION OF TASMANIA ^top^

The Tenants Union of Tasmania will provide telephone advice in relation to all tenancy matters. They will also assist by writing letters to landlords, negotiating, bond disputes, Small Claims Court advocacy, provision of leases, condition report forms and Tenant’s Rights handbooks to tenants and landlords. Their contact phone number is (03) 6223 2641. Note that the University of Tasmania Students Housing Service can also assist students in relation to tenancy matters.

PRIVATE LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ^top^

Legal advice can be sought from lawyers, however, you will generally be required to pay for advice.

If you know or have a lawyer, phone them for an appointment. We recommend browsing the Yellow Pages under “Barristers & Solicitors” or alternatively contacting the Law Society of Tasmania for a list of lawyers. Please note that the Law Society can only provide a list of lawyers who work in the particular field of law concerning the dispute and cannot recommend any particular lawyer.