Most legal work in the Illawarra runs through Wollongong's CBD. The Local Court and the District Court share the courthouse on the corner of Church and Market Streets, Legal Aid NSW is on Church Street, and the family court sits in Wollongong as one of its NSW circuit locations.
Our Wollongong lists cover criminal and family law, with where each firm is based and what it handles. Several firms also see clients outside the CBD, in places like Thirroul, Kiama, Berry, Warrawong and Nowra, so ask which lawyer will run your file and where.
Lawyers in Wollongong by area of law
Some firms pay for a featured listing, and that affects where they appear on a list. How we compile our lists
How legal matters work in Wollongong
Criminal charges start in the Local Court. Besides Wollongong, there are Local Courts at Port Kembla, Albion Park and Kiama, and the Albion Park and Kiama registries only open on court sitting days. Serious charges go to the District Court in the Wollongong courthouse, or the Supreme Court for the most serious. Young people's cases go to the Children's Court at Port Kembla.
The Drug Court generally isn't available to people living in Wollongong, because no Illawarra or Shoalhaven council area is on its list. MERIT, a Local Court program for adults with a drug or alcohol problem, runs at Wollongong, Port Kembla, Albion Park and Kiama.
Divorce, parenting and property cases go to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, which sits in Wollongong. Divorce applications are filed online, and Legal Aid NSW says its Family Advocacy and Support Service is at the court in Wollongong in person on weekdays. Apprehended violence orders are a NSW matter and go to the Local Court.
Courts in Wollongong
- Wollongong Local Court
- Most criminal and traffic matters start here, along with apprehended violence orders, on the corner of Church and Market Streets. Other Illawarra Local Courts sit at Port Kembla, Albion Park and Kiama.
- District Court of NSW
- Serious criminal charges, heard in the same Wollongong courthouse. The most serious charges go to the Supreme Court.
- Children's Court
- Charges against young people, heard at Port Kembla, and further south at Nowra.
- Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
- Separation, parenting and property matters. The court sits in Wollongong at Level 1, 43 Burelli Street, as one of its NSW circuit locations. Its NSW registries are in Sydney, Parramatta and Newcastle.
Free and low cost legal help
- Legal Aid NSW gives free legal information to anyone, and advice or representation to people who qualify.
- Legal Aid NSW, Wollongong: 73 Church Street, with another office further south in Nowra. LawAccess NSW on 1300 888 529 can tell you whether you're likely to qualify.
- Illawarra Legal Centre: Suite 4, Level 2, 166 Keira Street. General legal advice, help with child support, and free advice and support for women affected by family violence. It also runs an Aboriginal Legal Access Program.
- Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT): 63A Market Street, Wollongong, for criminal law. Police contact its custody notification service whenever an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person is detained.
- Wollongong Family Relationship Centre: Family dispute resolution at 336 Keira Street.
- Duty lawyers at the Wollongong Local 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 NSW, the professional body for lawyers in New South Wales.
Need help finding a lawyer in Wollongong?
Send us a few details and we'll point you to firms that handle your kind of matter.
Finding a lawyer in Wollongong: common questions
How do I choose a lawyer in Wollongong?
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 Wollongong?
Often, yes. Legal Aid NSW 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 Wollongong Local Court can help if you're due in court that day.
How do I check a lawyer can practise in New South Wales?
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 NSW or the local regulator. A good firm won't mind you asking.
Is there a family court in Wollongong?
The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia sits in Wollongong at Level 1, 43 Burelli Street, and its list of court locations names Wollongong as one of its NSW circuits. Its NSW registries are in Sydney, Parramatta and Newcastle. Divorce applications are filed online through the Commonwealth Courts Portal.
Can I get into the Drug Court from Wollongong?
Generally not. The Drug Court only takes people who live in its listed areas, and no Illawarra or Shoalhaven council area is one of them. MERIT is the local option. It runs at Wollongong, Port Kembla, Albion Park and Kiama Local Courts for adults with a drug or alcohol problem, and the magistrate decides if you're eligible.
Other cities
Sydney · Melbourne · Brisbane · Perth · Adelaide · Gold Coast · Canberra · Darwin · Hobart
Regional centres: Newcastle · Sunshine Coast · Central Coast · Geelong · Townsville · Cairns · Toowoomba · Ballarat · Bendigo · Launceston
Free, no obligation
Need a lawyer in Wollongong?
Leave your details and we'll put you in touch with a firm that handles your kind of matter.
We only share your details with lawyers who can help with your matter. Privacy policy