ALS has been providing legal services to Aboriginal people since 1970.
We’re a non-government Aboriginal community law firm run by and for Aboriginal people.
We give advice and stand up in court to get justice for Aboriginal men, women and children.
We assist with police, courts, family separation, children and child removal matters.
We also help with tenancy, fine debt, prisoner through-care and custody notification.
Our advice is free.
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Custody Notification Service
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Our history
Aboriginal Legal Service was the first operation of its kind in Australia, setting the model for mainstream community legal aid. It was set up in 1970 by Aboriginal activists and volunteers to give legal advice and representation to Aboriginal people being harrassed by police in Redfern. By 1975 there was an Aboriginal legal service in every State and Territory across Australia. ‘The Story Project’ is our history told through the voices of those involved in Australia’s first free legal service. Watch our stories on film here.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that these stories may contain images and voices of people who have died.
Our Work
Considering Aboriginality
ALS has built a database containing all decisions in criminal law from the superior courts of each Australian jurisdiction which have considered Aboriginality.
The Care and Protection law practice represents parents and children in child protection matters.
Our lawyers aim to achieve the best possible outcome for the child, parent and family. ALS lawyers want to help families get their children back.
We want those children that have been taken away to be housed in a safe and culturally appropriate place.
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The ALS Family Law Practice provides specialist family law services in general family law matters involving children.
Where possible, we seek to encourage resolution of most family law disputes by agreement between the parties.
If necessary, we will represent people on contested hearings subject to a means and merit test.
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The Care and Protection law practice represents parents and children in child protection matters.
Our Lawyers aim to achieve the best possible outcome for the child, parent and family.
ALS Lawyers want to help families get their children back.
We want those children that have been taken away to be housed in a safe and culturally appropriate place.
Find out more
The Custody Notification Service (CNS) is a 24-hour legal advice and RU OK phone line for Aboriginal people taken into police custody.
Under NSW law, Police must contact the ALS whenever they have taken an Aboriginal person into custody.
The Police phone our CNS, and the Aboriginal person receives early legal advice from an ALS lawyer, ensuring their fundamental legal rights are respected and less Aboriginal people are imprisoned.
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Criminal Law
ALS has over 80 lawyers working from 23 offices across NSW and ACT.
ALS lawyers work with Field Officers to offer the best legal advice and court representation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, women and children.