When to use a community legal centre, a lawyer, or a migration adviser
Australia has many kinds of legal help — from free to paid, from specialist to general. Knowing when to use which one saves you time and money, and gets you to the right person sooner.
This article is general information. When you face a specific legal situation, contact the most suitable service directly for personal advice.
Community Legal Centres (CLCs)
Community Legal Centres (CLCs) are not-for-profit organisations that provide free or very low-cost legal services to people in need. There are hundreds of CLCs across Australia, and many specialise in a particular area of law or a particular community.
When they are a good fit:
- A rental dispute with a landlord
- Employment problems (underpayment, dismissal, working conditions)
- Consumer and contract problems
- Initial advice before deciding whether you need a lawyer
- When you do not yet know what kind of help you need
Limitations: CLCs often have limits on how many cases they can take and the scope of help they offer (they do not take every type of matter). Some CLCs have waiting lists. Deeper services (court representation, complex negotiation) are often outside the free scope.
Find a CLC near you: The Community Legal Centres Australia website (clcs.org.au) has a search tool by state and area of law.
Legal Aid
Legal Aid is a government body that provides free or subsidised legal services to people who are eligible — usually based on income, assets, and the nature of the matter.
When it is a good fit:
- Criminal matters (being charged, needing representation in court)
- Complex family matters (child custody, family violence)
- Immigration matters in some circumstances
- When you meet the income test and the matter is serious enough
Eligibility: Each state has different income and assets criteria. Not every type of matter is supported. You need to apply and have your eligibility assessed.
Phone help lines: Victoria Legal Aid: 1300 792 387. Legal Aid NSW: 1300 888 529. Interpreting services are available.
Lawyer (solicitor)
A private lawyer (solicitor) provides paid legal services — usually by the hour or by the matter. This is the option when a matter is complex, has high financial value, or when you need formal representation.
When it is a good fit:
- Buying or selling property (you need a lawyer who specialises in conveyancing)
- High-value civil litigation
- Commercial or business contracts
- Making a will and managing a deceased estate
- A complex matter that CLCs and legal aid cannot support
A note on cost: Lawyers charge by the hour — fees can add up quickly. Before hiring one, ask clearly about the service fees, the total estimated cost, and whether you can win the case for a cost that is worth it.
Free initial consultation: Many lawyers offer a free initial consultation — use this chance to assess the matter and the cost before you commit.
Check they are licensed: A lawyer practising in Australia must hold a practising certificate. You can check this through the Law Society in the relevant state.
Migration Agent (Registered Migration Agent — RMA)
A migration agent is a person registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) and licensed to advise and assist on visa and migration matters. They are not lawyers, although some lawyers are also migration agents.
When it is a good fit:
- Visa matters: lodging an application, extending, switching visas
- Complex files with many special circumstances
- Acting after a visa refusal
- Guidance on the right migration pathway
A clear distinction: A migration agent only advises on migration — they do not handle employment cases, rental disputes, or consumer problems. Conversely, a general lawyer usually does not have deep expertise in migration.
Check the MARA registration: Only work with someone who has a valid MARA registration number — search at mara.gov.au.
Choosing the right kind of help
| Matter | Where to start |
|---|---|
| Rental dispute | CLC or the state Tenants Union |
| Underpaid wages | Fair Work Ombudsman (fairwork.gov.au) |
| Being dismissed | Fair Work + CLC advice |
| Consumer dispute | State Consumer Affairs |
| Visa matter | Migration agent (MARA) or an immigration lawyer |
| Charged with a crime | Legal Aid immediately |
| Family matter | Legal Aid or a family-focused CLC |
| Contract / debt | CLC or a lawyer for advice |
If you are not sure: call the Legal Aid help line or go to your nearest CLC — they will point you to the right place.
See also the related guide on common legal mistakes to avoid.