Pro Bono Assistance
Pro Bono Generally.
Pro Bono Assistance is work undertaken by a legal practitioner that is usually performed at no or little cost. The work is performed on a voluntary basis to assist the Court and the community.
Many legal practitioners perform pro bono work on an ad hoc basis. Some legal practitioners volunteer their time through the Duty Barrister or Duty Solicitor schemes. Larger firms may have a policy on providing pro bono assistance. The Bar Association and the Law Society also operate their own pro bono schemes.
Litigants should consult a scheme directly to determine their eligibility for pro bono assistance.
Court Appointed Legal Assistance pursuant to Part 66A of the Supreme Court Rules.
Part 66A of the Supreme Court Rules enables the Court to refer litigants to a legal practitioner on the Court’s pro bono panel. Legal assistance can be for the hearing or for the provision of advice or both.
The provision of pro bono assistance through the Court is not a legal right. Instead, it is an option available to the Court to assist the Court in the administration of justice. Litigants may also be asked to provide a sum to assist in the payment of disbursements.
Application may be made by motion to the Court for legal assistance. On an order being made, the Court will attempt to find a legal practitioner on the Pro Bono panel to provide assistance.
Supreme Court Pro Bono Panel – Invitation to Practitioners
Part 66A of the Supreme Court Rules enables the Court to refer litigants to a legal practitioner on the Court’s Pro Bono Panel. Legal assistance may be in the form of advice or representation, or both.
The Court welcomes legal practitioners who are willing to have their names included in the Pro Bono Panel. Practitioners are encouraged to read the provisions of Part 66A from which it will be noted that a referral of a litigant to a legal practitioner may only occur if the practitioner has agreed to accept the referral (Part 66A r 4(6)). It will also be noted that the practitioner may be entitled to recover an amount for costs if a costs order is made in the legally assisted litigant’s favour (Part 66A r 9(2)). A practitioner is also entitled to seek disbursements from a referred litigant (Part 66A r 10).
Practitioners who are willing to have their names included in the Pro Bono Panel can do so by downloading this form and forwarding it to
By Mail:
The Principal Registrar
Supreme Court of New South Wales
GPO Box 3
Sydney 2001
By Fax:
(02) 9230 8827
Further information can be obtained by telephoning the Prothonotary on (02) 9230 8189.
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