Frequently asked questions

You can use our search function to find registered law firms with particular areas of practice. You can also call the Society on 02 6274 0300 and ask for assistance. Please note that the Law Society cannot recommend particular law firms or solicitors — we will instead provide you with contact details for three randomly-selected firms or solicitors in the area you request.

You can use our search function to find solicitors who speak particular languages. You can also call the Society on 02 6274 0300 and ask for assistance. Please note that the Law Society cannot recommend particular law firms or solicitors — we will instead provide you with contact details for three randomly-selected firms or solicitors in the area you request.

There are a range of community legal centres providing advice and resources to the public in the Canberra region. Canberra. Visit our community legal centres page for more information.

You may also be eligible for assistance from the ACT Pro Bono Clearing House if you are likely to suffer a serious injustice without legal representation, you are not eligible for a grant of Legal Aid, and you are of insufficient means to afford legal services at professional charging rates. Please note that the Pro Bono Clearing House does not deal with Family Law matters.

The ACT Law Society is pleased to provide support to residents of Queanbeyan, and we can refer you to local NSW services where appropriate. 

Shoalcoast Community Legal Centre can provide legal advice to people on issues such as employment, financial hardship, tenancy, fines, parenting arrangements, family law, domestic violence and victims support, and other civil law matters. Clients should call 1800 229 529 or info@shoalcoast.org.au to arrange a telephone appointment.

Members of the public are welcome to submit Missing Will notices to the Law Society free of charge. Your notice will be included in the next available edition of the Law Society's fortnightly e-newsletter, and any solicitor having information about the missing document will contact you directly. Please visit our Missing Wills page for more information.

The Law Society maintains a list of solicitors who have retired or moved out of the ACT, along with details of where they transferred their files. Please call the Society on 02 6274 0300 and ask for assistance.

The ACT Law Society’s Contract for Sale of Land is now available to purchase online. Click here to visit the ACT Contract for Sale micro-site.

The Tenancy Advice Service at Legal Aid ACT maintains a list of useful documents for tenants, including the Standard Tenancy Agreement. Visit legalaidact.org.au/tasact for more information. 

You can locate an ACT Justice of the Peace in a number of ways:

• search for a JP online
• JP Signing Centre locations and opening hours 
• phone the Access Canberra Contact Centre - 13 22 81.

Information about the role of ACT Justices of the Peace is on the Become a Justice of the Peace page.

Legal practice in the ACT is governed by the Legal Profession Act, Regulation, and Rules. The Law Society has a statutory obligation to maintain and improve the professional standards of the legal profession and to protect the public from inadequate advice and representation. The Law Society investigates complaints against solicitors, unqualified practitioners and associates of legal practice, and undertakes litigation for complaints referred to the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal and the Courts.

The Law Society regulates for the benefit of consumers of legal services. This regulatory service includes maintaining professional standards, protecting client and public monies, handling complaints about professional conduct and prosecuting disciplinary matters. Other statutory services provided by the Society to the community include the register of law firms and practitioners and grants to community legal services. 

The Law Society also coordinates pro bono legal services to the public through the ACT Pro-Bono Clearing House, promotes public understanding of the law and its role in society through Law Week, and set up the ACT Law Society Foundation to provide funds to local charities.

The Law Society accepts advertising in its fortnightly e-newsletter, Hearsay , and its quarterly magazine, Ethos. Please view our advertising rates, or contact the Communications Officer on communications@actlawsociety.asn.au.