Stepfamily Association

Who we are

Legal Aid Queensland provides legal assistance to financially and socially disadvantaged Queenslanders.

An independent statutory authority that operates under the Legal Aid Queensland Act (1997) we are funded by the Queensland Government to undertake State law matters and by the Federal Government for Commonwealth law matters.

Over 300 staff work at Legal Aid Queensland in 14 offices located throughout Queensland - Brisbane, Bundaberg, Caboolture, Cairns, Inala, Ipswich, Mackay, Maroochydore, Mount Isa, Rockhampton, Southport, Toowoomba, Townsville and Woodridge.

What we do

Legal Aid Queensland provides information, advice and representation in family, civil, and criminal law matters.

Ensuring as many Queenslanders as possible have access to quality legal services is our first priority.

We are the State's largest criminal law practice. Our Criminal Law Practice employs Queensland's leading criminal defence solicitors and counsel who represent individuals (both children and adults) charged with criminal offences before all court jurisdictions in Queensland. From duty lawyer services to major and complex cases heard in the Supreme Court - we are an integral and driving force in Queensland's criminal justice system.

Our Family Law Practice provides specialist family law services in the areas of child support, domestic violence and general family law matters. One of the objectives of our Family Law Practice is to resolve family law disputes through non litigious methods and as a result, the practice has played a major part in the development of alternative dispute resolution in Queensland. Much of the practice's work is dedicated to ensuring children have a voice in the legal system and their best interests are considered and met.

The Civil Justice Practice provides Legal Aid Queensland's civil law services. The team, which specialises in victims compensation, consumer law disputes and anti-discrimination law, undertakes casework, provides legal advice, legal information and community education on a statewide basis, and participates in law reform.

Legal Aid Queensland works tirelessly to assist Queenslanders overcome hurdles which would normally see them unable to access legal help. From financial and social disadvantage to the challenges created by distance and geographical location - Legal Aid Queensland tailors its services to address the needs of a diverse range of stakeholders.

For example, we provide 11 specialist services to assist priority groups with specific legal problems. To increase access to legal aid services we have established an extensive network of preferred suppliers - private law firms who provide legal aid services. To ensure as many Queenslanders as possible receive legal help we use state of the art technology such as videoconferencing and the Internet. A telephone legal advice service, which is free to all Queenslanders, ensures anyone, anywhere in the State can access legal advice.

Our Mission

To enhance access to justice in Queensland.

Our Vision

To be recognised as the leader in innovation and efficiency in providing quality, customer-focused legal services.

Our Values

Social Justice - We strive to ensure people receive fair treatment.

Respect - We value collaboration and treat with respect those with whom we work.

Quality - We continually improve products and services to best meet customer and stakeholder needs.

Effectiveness - We strive to increase cost effectiveness in delivering services.