Panel membership

How do I apply or update my panel membership?

How do I apply for panel membership?

The panel application process is a single application form that is completed by the principal of a law practice or barrister (the applicant). The application form is submitted on behalf of all legal practitioners who meet the individual panel requirements and will undertake legal aid work.

Grants Online registration

All legal practitioners undertaking legal aid work including any delegated work, are required to have a Grants Online  registration with 'practitioner' access. All registrations must be completed prior to submitting a Panel application form or an Update membership form.

If you require assistance with any Grants Online registration, please email our Service Desk or call (02) 9219 5999 (option 2).

Grants Online registration

Checklist

  • Only a principal of a law practice or barrister with more than 3 years PAE can apply
  • Do all practitioners have a Grants Online registration with 'practitioner' access?
  • Do all practitioners meet the individual requirements for their nominated panel?
  • Do all practitioners have a current Working with Children Check for employment purposes (where required)?
  • If you've answered yes to all the above, proceed to the Panels application website.

Prior to applying you can view the panel application questions here.  

Panels application website

What happens after I submit my form?

Once a form has been submitted it will be considered on the information provided to and available to Legal Aid NSW within 21 days. You will be notified by email of the outcome of your application.

Upon notification of approval, the applicant must read and execute the Service Agreement (the Agreement). Once executed, the Quality Standards form part of the panel member’s obligations in accordance with the Agreement.

Can I update my panel membership?

As a panel member you can update your law practice panel membership at any time by completing and submitting an Update membership form. Panel memberships can be updated to add a new associate or an additional panel.

I have a question

If you have any questions, these may be answered in our Panel FAQs, or you can contact the Private Lawyer Quality Standards Unit at panels@legalaid.nsw.gov.au or on (02) 9219 5662.

  • Assistance available

    Library

    The Legal Aid NSW library is available to assist in locating documents which you’re unable to source elsewhere. You can request the documents you need to run your legal aid matters such as cases, legislation, second reading speeches and JIRS statistics.

    Requests should contain the Legal Aid NSW grant number (in the subject line), the document you need and the timeframe in which the document is required. Send your request to the library by email at illuminlegalaid@softlinkillumin.net. 

    Resources and tools

    Our Resources and tools page contains a variety of information, tools and forms to assist you in your partnership with Legal Aid NSW.