Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) Ltd is a front-line organisation concerned with ‘closing the gap’ of disadvantage between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians.

Whilst the ALS practises in Criminal law and Care and Protection law, there is always unmet legal need in our communities, particularly in civil and family law.

We continue to pressure the government for additional funds to meet this need and recognise that pro bono should not be a substitute for adequate government funding.

The ALS is always under a lot of pressure to provide legal representation and advice.

The help that ALS has had from law firms and pro bono lawyers has been of great assistance and we value the relationships that have been formed.

This help, both legal and non-legal, has been extremely useful for our organisation as well as our clients and is always greatly appreciated.

However, the plight of Australia’s first people continues, as does their need for continued skilled legal advice and representation.

There are opportunities for law firms and Aboriginal Legal Service providers to work together to address unfairness and discrimination in our communities, and build a better future for the generations to come.

If you are interested in learning more about pro bono opportunities with the ALS, please contact us. You can also find out more information in the Aboriginal Legal Service Pro Bono Guide.

We are very grateful for the substantial and ongoing pro bono assistance provided to the ALS by:

• Blake Dawson
• Gilbert + Tobin
• DLA Phillips Fox who continue to guide the IT development of the ALS.

Other large firms assist from time to time and we are very grateful for their support.

We are also grateful for the support of:

• National Pro Bono Resource Centre
• NSW Bar Association Pro Bono Scheme
• NSW Law Society Pro Bono Scheme 

If you are interested in learning more about pro bono opportunities with the ALS, please contact us.