WHO WE ARE
The Youth Law Centre (YLC) is Legal Aid ACT's dedicated service for young people under 25. It is a free and confidential legal service.
WHAT WE DO
The YLC operates as a walk-in centre in Canberra weekdays between 10am and 4pm.
The YLC operates in conjunction with the ANU Youth Law Clinic.
We provide free and confidential legal advice in person and over the phone by appointment.
If you are a College student, you could also speak to a lawyer at your College. Legal Aid lawyers go out to all ACT public Colleges. You can find more information on this outreach program here.
We provide assistance in many areas, such as:
- Issues with driving and car accidents.
- Criminal matters and issues with the police.
- Your rights at work.
- Accessibility and reasonable adjustments.
- Tenancy and renting.
- Scams and debt issues.
- Fines and personal safety.
- Discrimination.
- Cyberbullying.
- Sex and consent.
If we are unable to assist, we are able to refer you to other services.
CONTACT US
To contact the YLC, please call (02) 6173 5410 or email ylc@legalaidact.org.au for free legal help.
VISIT US
Feel free to drop in at 2 Allsop Street Canberra City, noting YLC shares an entrance with Legal Aid ACT.
Upon arrival please report to reception.
LEGAL INFORMATION
We also have free legal information factsheets available online. Check out the Information and Education page.
Youth Law Matters is a legal guidebook for young people. It covers everything from pregnancy to police powers. Download Youth Law Matters here or by click on the Information and Education page.
All of our factsheets are intended to be used as a guide only and not as legal advice.
| Sexting factsheet |
| Intimate Image Abuse factsheet |
| Sex & Consent factsheet |
| Cannabis factsheet |
| Vaping Laws factsheet |
| Dealing with police factsheet |
VOLUNTEERING AS A PARALEGAL
During the ANU Semester, paralegals are primarily sourced from the ANU College of Law’s Clinical Youth Law Program, an elective course available to later year LLB students. For more information about the course, click here.
During holiday periods, ANU and UC law students assist as paralegals on a volunteer basis. To be eligible to volunteer at the YLC you must have completed at least eight courses of an LLB. ANU and UC law students will be sent an email in early May and late September regarding the application process.
Working at the YLC involves assisting in the day-to-day operation of the centre. You will perform tasks such as: preparing for and performing client interviews, briefing solicitors, researching legal issues, drafting litigation correspondence along with court and tribunal applications, undertaking conflict checks, answering phones and responding to e-mails. Students will work alongside other solicitors and paralegals under the supervision of the YLC Supervising Lawyer, and Paralegal Coordinator.