I want to bring a native title claim but do not have the money to instruct a private lawyer. Can I get financial and other assistance?
Lawyer Answers (1): Answers from lawyers are general preliminary responses. They are not formal legal advice and cannot taken account of all your circumstances. They do not create a lawyer–client relationship.
Answer by Neha Sharma, Hillsdale 2036 NSW
- The Native Title Registrar provides general assistance to claimants with regards to:
- general information about the native title claim process;
- looking over and assessing draft applications;
- helping search registers;
- providing information on land tenure; and
- helping access mapping and technical area descriptions.
- The registrar does not:
- give legal advice;
- give financial assistance; or
- make applications for native title.
- You may be able to get legal advice from a lawyer who agrees to work for you on a pro bono basis. This means they agree to act on your behalf free of charge.
- Some community legal centres also offer free assistance to indigenous applicants.
- You may still be required to pay for any filing costs or other disbursements.