Launceston has its own Magistrates Court on Charles Street, a Supreme Court registry on Cameron Street and a family court registry at Henty House on Civic Square. Tasmania Legal Aid's Launceston office is on Cimitiere Street.
Our Launceston lists cover criminal and family law. They're shorter than our capital city lists, because we only include firms with a real Launceston base that do that work, and we'd rather show fewer firms than pad a list.
Lawyers in Launceston by area of law
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How legal matters work in Launceston
Criminal charges start in the Launceston Magistrates Court, which can also hold preliminary hearings for serious charges such as murder and manslaughter, to decide if there's enough evidence for a Supreme Court trial. Its Youth Justice Division hears charges against people aged 10 to 17. Crimes go to the Supreme Court of Tasmania, which has a Launceston registry. Tasmania has no District Court.
Divorce, parenting and property cases go to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia at Henty House, Level 1, 1 Civic Square. The court moved there in April 2023, with two courtrooms, a mediation suite and offices for Legal Aid and the Family Advocacy and Support Service. The Magistrates Court can also deal with some family law property and parenting matters, and it hears family violence order applications.
For free help, Tasmania Legal Aid solicitors are usually at the Magistrates Court on court sitting days. Launceston Community Legal Centre on St John Street gives free family law advice and help with some civil matters. It doesn't generally take on criminal charges, but it does help people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds with civil or criminal matters at the Launceston Magistrates Court. Women's Legal Service Tasmania offers face to face appointments in Launceston.
Courts in Launceston
- Launceston Magistrates Court
- Most criminal and traffic matters start here, along with family violence and restraint orders. It's at 73 to 76 Charles Street, and its Youth Justice Division hears charges against young people.
- Supreme Court of Tasmania
- Crimes (indictable offences), jury trials and appeals, with a Launceston registry at 116 Cameron Street. Tasmania has no District Court.
- Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
- Separation, parenting and property matters, with a Launceston registry at Henty House, Level 1, 1 Civic Square.
Free and low cost legal help
- Tasmania Legal Aid gives free legal information to anyone, and advice or representation to people who qualify.
- Tasmania Legal Aid, Launceston: Level 1, 117 Cimitiere Street. Its solicitors are usually at the Magistrates Court on court sitting days, and the statewide Legal Help line is 1300 366 611.
- Launceston Community Legal Centre: Suite 2, Level 2, 42 to 48 St John Street. Free one off family law advice, help with parenting plans and consent orders, and free advice on some civil matters such as fines and restraint orders for people who qualify. It doesn't generally help with criminal charges, except through its support service at the Magistrates Court for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
- Tasmanian Aboriginal Legal Service: A statewide service with an office in Launceston, and lawyers on call 24 hours for people in police custody.
- Women's Legal Service Tasmania: Free, confidential advice for women, including face to face appointments in Launceston.
- Relationships Australia Tasmania: The Family Relationship Centre at 6 Paterson Street, for family dispute resolution.
- Duty lawyers at the Launceston Magistrates Court can help on the day if you're due in court and don't have a lawyer yet.
- Community legal centres give free advice on everyday problems like debts, tenancy, fines and employment.
- Private firms often offer a free or fixed price first appointment. Ask when you call.
- Check a lawyer's standing with the Law Society of Tasmania, the professional body for lawyers in Tasmania.
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Finding a lawyer in Launceston: common questions
How do I choose a lawyer in Launceston?
Start with the area of law your problem falls under, then shortlist two or three firms that do that work regularly. If your matter is going to court, ask how often they appear in that court. Ask what the first appointment costs and how fees work after that, and go with the lawyer who explains things clearly rather than the one with the biggest ad.
Can I get free legal advice in Launceston?
Often, yes. Tasmania Legal Aid gives free legal information to anyone and advice or representation to people who qualify. Community legal centres also give free advice, and duty lawyers at the Launceston Magistrates Court can help if you're due in court that day.
How do I check a lawyer can practise in Tasmania?
Every practising lawyer needs a current practising certificate. Ask the firm for the lawyer's full name and check it with the Law Society of Tasmania or the local regulator. A good firm won't mind you asking.
Is there a family court in Launceston?
Yes. The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia has a registry at Henty House, Level 1, 1 Civic Square, with its own courtrooms and a mediation suite. The Magistrates Court on Charles Street can also deal with some family law matters.
Are there accredited specialists in Tasmania?
We couldn't find a specialist accreditation scheme run by the Law Society of Tasmania. Look instead at how long a lawyer has worked in the area of law you need, whether they regularly appear in the court your matter will be heard in, and who will actually run your case.
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