Membership

Our members are the backbone of QPILCH.

QPILCH members provide free or low cost legal assistance to people who cannot afford to pay a private lawyer or are ineligible for legal aid, and to community groups with public interest objectives.

Become a member now

Complete a membership application form and send to QPILCH. Your membership fee can be paid by cheque or online using a credit card. Links for both the application form and credit card payment are available below and at the top right of this page.

Why become a member?

The legal profession has always recognised the importance of providing free and reduced-fee legal assistance to those experiencing hardship.

Becoming a member of QPILCH provides the opportunity to accept referrals of public interest cases and to be involved in QPILCH's direct legal services and clinics:

  • the Homeless Persons' Legal Clinic;
  • the Refugee Civil Law Clinic; and
  • the Self Representation Service (in QCAT and the State Courts).

QPILCH members can also assist by:

  • Acceptance of referrals to act for individuals or community groups on a pro bono basis;
  • Provision of staff for direct legal services and clinics, including the Homeless Persons' Legal Clinic, Refugee Civil Law Clinic, and Self Representation Service;
  • Participation in QPILCH's research, policy and law reform work;
  • Provision of secondees to assist in our core areas or for other specified projects;
  • Donation of funds and/or equipment;
  • Provision of professional advice and assistance to support our ongoing operation and professional development;
  • Provision of annual membership fees which go toward our running costs.

How does QPILCH work?

QPILCH's efficient and effective operation ensures pro bono resources are utilised to their maximum benefit and assistance is directed to those who need it most.

QPILCH provides a structure to assist member firms and barristers in the provision of pro bono assistance by:

  • receiving and assessing applications for pro bono legal assistance;
  • referring meritorious matters to law firms and barristers;
  • being a contact for practitioners who have received a pro bono request for assistance that is not within their expertise or capacity to assist; and
  • providing ongoing support, if needed, to firms and barristers who accept referrals.

Other benefits and opportunities of QPILCH membership

  • A forum for members to identify areas of unmet legal need and raise and discuss issues of public interest by participating in QPILCH's research, policy and law reform work;
  • A chance to give back to society by helping the most disadvantaged people who cannot otherwise obtain legal assistance;
  • Improve relationships with clients who value the pro bono efforts of law firms and barristers;
  • Help recruit talented lawyers by providing them with an enjoyable challenge;
  • Grant the opportunity to members to develop skills, gain experience and enhance training;
  • Foster participation in the joint effort of the legal profession to advance access to justice for the marginalised and disadvantaged within our society;
  • Participate in fundraising and awareness events, including the Walk for Justice, Public Interest Address and Red Wine for Justice;
  • Access QPILCH's expertise in developing pro bono programs to build pro bono capacity; and
  • Contribute to a positive image of the profession and helps to build public confidence in lawyers and the justice system generally.

Who can join?

QPILCH has the following types of membership:

  • Member Firms
  • Member Barristers
  • Legal Unit Members (includes legal units in corporations and government agencies)
  • Associate Members (includes university law schools and accountancy firms)
  • Honorary Members, and
  • Life Members.

Specific membership status is accorded to:

  • Legal Aid Queensland
  • Queensland Association of Independent Legal Services Inc.
  • Bar Association of Queensland Inc. and
  • Queensland Law Society Incorporated.

Membership fees

Membership fees for each class of membership have been determined by the Management Committee. The fees per financial year, including GST, currently are:

Member Firms $330 per partner per firm
Member Barristers  
First year
 NIL
2-3 years experience
 $55 per barrister
4-5 years experience
 $110 per barrister
6+ years experience
 $220 per barrister
Government Legal Unit Members $1,100 per legal unit
Corporate Legal Unit Members $3,300 per legal unit
Associate Members $330
Other Members NIL

QPILCH's operations are funded by membership fees, grants and donations.

Useful resources