Victorian Consolidated Legislation

Legal Aid Act 1978 - SECT 8

Arrangements and guidelines for allocation of legal aid work

8. Arrangements and guidelines for allocation of legal aid work



(1) Legal aid may be provided by VLA-

   (a)  by making available the services of officers of VLA;

   (b)  by arranging for the services of private legal practitioners or other
        persons to be made available;



   (c)  by making available and by arranging both the services referred to in
        paragraphs (a) and (b).

(2) VLA must determine guidelines in relation to the allocation of work
between officers of VLA and private legal practitioners having regard to-

   (a)  the need for legal assistance services to be readily available and
        easily accessible to disadvantaged people;

   (ab) the requirements (if any) of any legal aid arrangement;



   (b)  the desirability of an assisted person being entitled to select a
        legal practitioner of his or her choice;



   (c)  the need for appropriate use to be made of the services capable of
        being provided by officers of VLA;

   (d)  the importance of maintaining the independence of the private legal
        profession;

   (e)  the need for the Fund to be used effectively and efficiently.