Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service

The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) gives free legal advice and representation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Victoria. It is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation, set up in 1973 as the first free legal service in Victoria.

VALS helps with criminal, family and civil law, including family violence and child protection. It also runs a youth practice called Balit Ngulu and Wirraway, which supports people harmed by police or prison authorities.

Client Service Officers give local support, help with court attendance and refer clients to other services. The Community Justice Programs team offers culturally safe support, such as the Custody Notification Service.

VALS has its head office at 273 High St, Preston, and works from seven sites across Victoria. It serves Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people throughout the state, including regional hubs listed on its contact page.

VALS practises in criminal law, family law, and civil and human rights law. It has a youth practice, Balit Ngulu, and a police and prison accountability practice, Wirraway. Its Community Justice Programs include the Custody Notification Service, Aboriginal Community Justice Reports, Baggarook transitional housing for women and the Ngang Gak family service. Legal advice and representation are free.