History of the Scheme

In July 2000, PILCH and the Victorian Bar entered into an agreement for PILCH to administer the Victorian Bar Legal Assistance Scheme. For some years, the Bar had a scheme in place which was run on a voluntary basis, principally by the Honorary Secretary of the Bar Council.

The agreement between PILCH and the Bar arose in the context of the increasing volume and complexity of applications for pro bono assistance from members of the public needing the assistance of a barrister, and the desire of the Bar to put the administration of the scheme on a more professional footing.

On the other hand, PILCH needed to find new accommodation (the previous lease at premises shared with the Consumer Law Centre Vic. being at an end), while managing to reduce its expenses. Under the agreement, the Bar has provided PILCH with accommodation on the first floor of Joan Rosanove Chambers and some basic infrastructure to enable it to administer the scheme.

It is intended that the identities of both PILCH and the Bar Scheme will be preserved, notwithstanding the agreement. The alliance between PILCH and the Bar scheme ensures a more efficient, co-ordinated approach to providing effective pro bono assistance.