Helping those who help themselves: evaluating QPILCH’s Self Representation Service

This article reports on an evaluation of the Queensland Public Interest Law Clearing House (QPILCH)Self Representation Service (SRS). The SRS was developed with reference to a similar scheme conducted at the Royal Courts of Justice in London by the Citizens Advice Bureau. QPILCH has operated its SRS in the civil division of the Queensland Supreme and District Courts and Court of Appeal since October 2007. The SRS provides users with discrete task legal advice and assistance throughout the progress of their civil litigation, from drafting and amending pleadings, to disclosure of documents, preparation of evidence, conducting settlement negotiations and preparing for trial. Allself-represented litigants (SRLs) who approach the SRS with proceedings in the appropriate courts are offered a one hour appointment with a solicitor (either a volunteer or staff member) but ongoing assistance is provided only to those unable to pay for private legal representation.