The Litigation Assistance Fund
About
The Litigation Assistance Fund (LAF) is a non-profit charitable trust that provides funding assistance to under-resourced civil claimants in South Australia. Its mission is to bridge the gap in legal representation for civil matters, enabling access to justice for those unable to meet legal fees and disbursements. It primarily supports personal injury claimants but considers other civil claims.
Tips for Applicants
Applicants should be prepared for a thorough means and merits test, demonstrating both financial need and a strong likelihood of claim success. For non-personal injury claims or those seeking Full Funding, it is advisable to contact the LAF Manager for an initial discussion before applying.
Giving Philosophy
LAF approaches its giving by applying both a means test and a merits test to applications, ensuring funds go to those genuinely unable to afford legal costs and whose claims have a high likelihood of success. This approach is crucial for its self-sustaining model, as repayments from successful cases fund future assistance. Funding is granted on a stage-by-stage basis.
ACNC Financial History
| Year | Grants Given | Revenue | Total Assets | Net Assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FY2023 | $775K | $674K | $3.1M | $1.8M |
| FY2022 | $591K | $1.3M | $3.3M | $2.2M |
| FY2021 | $569K | $1.0M | $2.9M | $1.9M |
| FY2020 | $604K | $767K | $2.9M | $1.7M |
| FY2019 | $1.0M | $418K | $2.6M | $1.7M |
| FY2018 | $450K | $403K | $3.1M | $2.5M |
| FY2017 | $90K | $650K | $3.1M | $2.8M |
| 7yr total | $4.1M | Source: ACNC Annual Information Statements | ||