I just have a quick question. Can you help?
We are unable to answer any questions relating to your legal matter over the phone or by email. Please refer to our legal advice times.
I have a document I need signed by a lawyer can you do it?
We generally can't sign documents that require independent solicitors advice, because there is not enough time available for our lawyers to sufficiently familiarise themselves with matters to the extent where they could responsibly sign off. We can however witness some short documents which need to be witnessed by a Justice of the Peace or solicitor such as affidavits.
Can you represent me in court?
Our case work guidelines provide more information about the types of cases we take on. For most of our clients the answer is no. We can tell you about what to expect when you go to a court or tribunal and the processes you need to go through.
A family law duty lawyer service is available to assist existing Caxton clients on the day of their appearance in the Family Court or Federal Magistrates Court.
Does your service cost anything?
Caxton provides free legal advice, referral and information available to people disadvantaged in their access to the law. We happily accept donations and all donations over the amount of $2 are tax deductible.
Can you give me advice over the phone?
Caxton is able to book appointments for telephone legal advice in situations where the client lives outside Brisbane or in some limited circumstances where the client genuinely cannot attend the service.
Can I make an appointment?
Appointments are available for people who genuinely cannot come to our evening legal advice service. This includes people with disabilities, people with child care responsibilities and elderly people. No appointment is needed for the evening legal advice sessions which are generally available much sooner than an appointment would be.
I'm not happy with my current lawyer. Can I get a second opinion from you?
If you are having trouble communicating with your lawyer or feel that the service you are being provided is unfair for some reason you can come and see us. Complaints about lawyers can be made through the Legal Services Commission
If you have received advice from a lawyer and have a current client agreement then we cannot double check the advice of your lawyer or provide you with a second opinion.
How do I get to your service?
Buses 199, 196 and 192 leave stop 43 on Adelaide Street in the city and stop at the corner of Manning and Melbourne Streets. The City Glider service also stops at the West End Market which is nearby. The Cultural Centre bus exchange and South Brisbane railway station are also within walking distance of our office. Street parking in the area is available. See where we are on a map here.
Where can I get legal information online?
Visit our links page.
Will I have to wait long at the evening service?
For most clients a there will be a waiting period. Doors open at 6pm and no new clients are received after 7:30pm. Clients are seen by a lawyer who is familiar with the relevant area of law, which means that clients are not necessarily seen on a first come, first served basis.
What should I bring with me?
You need to bring any paperwork you have related to your legal questions. Bring charge sheets, letters between you and the other person or company, contracts, court documents and anything else that is relevant.
You also need to have the full name - first name and family name - of the person who is on the other side of your legal matter. We cannot give you legal advice without it. This is in order for us to check for a potential conflict of interest. If your dispute is with a company or institution we need that name and the name of an individual if you have been dealing with a specific person over an extended period of time.
Will I definitely be seen?
We are limited by the volunteer lawyers who are available on a particular night; for example if there are eight clients with employment law questions and just one lawyer experienced in employment law then probably not all eight people will receive advice. This is not a particularly common event but sometimes it does happen. You can telephone us on the day you intend to come in and find out if there is a lawyer planning to come in that night with knowledge relevant to your area.
Is there a means test?
We do not apply a means test to our clients. However, for statistical purposes and to meet our funding requirements we ask clients to disclose income levels. We recognise that there are many barriers to accessing justice however encourage higher income earners to consult private lawyers to ensure our service are directed to our most disadvantaged clients.
