General information · Reviewed 13 July 2026
Directory categories
Initial categories focus on matters where consumers often need specialist advice and rapid triage.
- Asbestos, mesothelioma and dust disease
- Personal injury and workers compensation
- Medical negligence
- Class actions and insurance
- Family and criminal law
- Property, tax, employment and commercial disputes
How firms will be displayed
Listings may include the firm name, locations, practice areas, website, enquiry link, languages, consultation methods and a verification date. The directory will not publish invented ratings or outcome claims.
- Basic listing
- Verified listing
- Featured sponsored listing
- Practice-area or state sponsorship
Independence and disclosure
Payment may affect visibility only where a placement is clearly labelled as sponsored. It does not create an endorsement, guarantee enquiries, or alter the visitor's right to choose a different lawyer.
- Visitors should verify the firm's current practising status.
- Firms control whether they accept a matter.
- Solicitor Online is not a law firm.
- No lawyer-client relationship arises until a firm agrees to act.
Professional listings must be accurate and transparent
A law-firm directory should publish only authorised details, distinguish basic, verified and sponsored placements, and avoid fabricated rankings, testimonials or success claims. Firms remain responsible for professional-conduct, privacy, advertising and costs obligations in each jurisdiction where the listing is used.
- Confirm the firm name, offices and website.
- Describe practice areas without guarantees.
- Label sponsored visibility clearly.
- Record the verification and review date.
Enquiry routing requires consent and secure handling
A public form should collect only information needed to route an enquiry, explain that no retainer exists and obtain consent before disclosure to a participating firm. Sensitive evidence should move to the firm’s secure intake process only after conflicts and capacity are considered.
- Minimise personal and health information.
- Use spam and rate-limit controls.
- Keep disclosure and retention records.
- Do not sell or forward an enquiry without consent.
Commercial models need professional review
Subscriptions and clearly disclosed advertising are generally easier to explain than arrangements tied to legal fees, compensation or case outcomes. Referral and fee-sharing rules can vary, so commercial agreements should be reviewed for each participating jurisdiction.
- Confirm which jurisdiction and decision-maker have authority.
- Separate provable facts from assumptions and disputed allegations.
- Identify the remedy sought and the practical value of each option.
- Record limitation, filing, review and response dates at the outset.
Primary law and leading authorities
Legislation, cases and official sources
The materials below are selected research starting points, not a complete statement of the law. A cited judgment illustrates an issue; it does not mean the same result applies to another person. Check the current legislation, later appellate history and the correct jurisdiction.
Professional framework
Australian Solicitors’ Conduct Rules
Professional conduct principles
Advertising, client intake, confidentiality, conflicts and independence must be considered by participating firms.
Open authoritative source
Legislation
Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)
Commonwealth Act
May apply to collection, use, storage and disclosure of personal information, subject to scope and exemptions.
Open authoritative source
Advertising source
Google AdSense programme policies
Publisher policy source
Commercial advertising must remain clearly separate from legal information, navigation and enquiry actions.
Open authoritative source
Professional review invited: Australian law firms, academics and practitioners may suggest a correction or additional primary authority through the
editorial contact form. Submissions are reviewed before publication and do not purchase editorial endorsement.
Frequently asked questions
Does the same law apply throughout Australia?
Not always. Commonwealth law applies nationally within its constitutional field, while many civil, criminal, property, compensation and professional rules are state or territory based. The relevant jurisdiction and historical version of the law must be checked.
Why does this page cite both legislation and court decisions?
Legislation states rules enacted by parliament. Courts interpret and apply those rules, develop common-law principles and decide how legal tests operate on particular facts. Neither source should be read without its context and later history.
Does a leading case mean my matter will have the same result?
No. A case is included as an illustration of an issue or principle. Outcomes depend on the applicable law, material facts, evidence, procedure, remedies and later authorities. A neutral citation is not a prediction.
How can I check whether a reference is current?
Open the official legislation or court source, check the version and date, then search for later amendments, appeals or decisions that refer to the authority. For an important decision, ask a qualified practitioner to confirm the current position.
Need advice based on your facts?
Use the short enquiry form to identify the practice area and jurisdiction. A participating firm may contact you after checking capacity and conflicts.
Start a legal enquiry