·         Some Community Legal Centres will open their doors at certain times on certain days to have appointment with new clients. This is often referred to as the ‘walk-in’ or ‘drop in’ service. These are generally run on a first-come-first-serve basis.

·         Other CLCs will ask you to fill out an application form to make an appointment.

·         Each CLC has its own application procedure. You can get a copy of the application form:

o   online;

o   you can ask for one to be posted to you; or

o   you can one pick one up from the CLC office.

·         In your application you will need to write down your basic personal information and a general summary about your legal issue.

o   You will need to answer questions and provide information about your income and assets. This is because CLCs often only have the capacity to help people who cannot afford to pay for a lawyer.

o   Try and explain your legal issue clearly and as briefly as you can. It can be useful to write key dates and events in dot points. You will not need to give them all your supporting documents or evidence at this early stage. However you should make a note about what documents you do have copies of.

o   You need to fill out every single detail on the form so that the CLC can process it as quickly as possible. If the application is incomplete it may not be processed.

o   Remember CLCs do not have the same resources as a private law firm. They often have part time staff and a roster system. They will be much more efficient in processing your application if it is easy to read, short and complete.

o   If you have a questions the call the CLC and ask them for help.