Working with Self
Represented Litigants
Self Representation Service (QCAT)
CLCNSW 2010 State Conference
QPILCH

Queensland Public Interest Law Clearing
House:
 Non-profit
community legal service
 Partnership – law firms, barristers, QLS, law
schools, CLCs
 Legal referral agency
 Direct assistance services – HPLC, RCLC, SRS
Self Representation Service (Courts)



Service in Brisbane District and Supreme Courts
and Qld Court of Appeal established in late
2007.
Established to meet recognised need – a public
interest issue
Continuing success of Service is clear
Measurement of success at Courts

Assistance to clients
 213
District and Supreme Court matters
 17 Court of Appeal matters

Benefit to the Courts

“The decrease in civil self-represented litigants may be partly
attributed to the QPILCH Self-Representation Service which
became operational in December 2007. Cases involving selfrepresented litigants sometimes take longer to hear and
determine because the standard of preparation and
presentation can be poor and the litigants may be unable to
articulate clearly the real points of the case.”
President of the Court of Appeal, Supreme Court 2007 – 2008 Annual Report.
Self Representation Service (QCAT)
Similar service, slightly different impetus.
 Large multi-jurisdictional tribunal conducts
matters in a way that is “accessible, fair, just,
economical, informal and quick”.
 Estimated 35,000 people involved in
proceedings each year.
 Outcome of proceedings will often have serious
consequences on the welfare, dignity and daily
living of people involved.

Who? Where? How?

Eligibility for assistance:
 Means
 Merit

Qld Courts Complex and QCAT
 Office
space
 Interview room

Appointment based
 Applications
for assistance received and assessed
 Appointments made and files created
Scope of Service

Discrete task assistance to assist people to:
 understand
the law, their legal rights and the
perspective of the other party and perspective and
requirements of Courts/QCAT;
 observe Court and QCAT rules and processes;
 be aware of potential orders and the effect of not
complying with orders; and
 present their case in the best possible manner.
Discrete Task Assistance

‘Unbundling’ or discrete task assistance:
 General
counselling and legal advice;
 Preparation/assistance with drafting documents;
 Referrals to other agencies or services. Eg Legal Aid,
specialist services.
More than ‘which forms to use’, or ‘what time to
appear in court’.
 Not rocket science!

Questions?
QPILCH contacts
QPILCH www.qpilch.org.au
Coordinator: Andrea de Smidt
Email: srs.qcat1@qpilch.org.au
Solicitor: Allira Thompson
Email: srs.courtsadmin@qpilch.org.au
Paralegal: Sam Boyle
Email: qcatadmin@qpilch.org.au