Legal Aid NSW

About Legal Aid NSW

Legal Aid NSW is a state-wide organisation providing legal services to socially and economically disadvantaged people across NSW. We deliver legal services in most areas of criminal, family and civil law. Our services are provided through our Central Sydney office and 21 regional offices. Legal Aid NSW employs approximately 900 staff. Legal Aid NSW delivers legal services in partnership with the private legal profession through grants of legal aid. In 2011-12 private lawyers represented 42.5% of legal aid clients. We work closely with our partners including LawAccess NSW, Community Legal Centres and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service NSW/ACT. The long-term strategic direction of Legal Aid NSW is overseen by a Board, appointed by the Attorney General. The day-to-day management is the responsibility of the Chief Executive Officer, assisted by a Senior Executive. Legal Aid NSW was established in 1979, when it was known as the Legal Services Commission, before becoming the Legal Aid Commission of NSW in 1987. The Legal Aid Commission was renamed Legal Aid NSW in 2006. More information about our history can be found on this page.