Our History
Victoria Law Foundation has supported better justice for over fifty years, changing the landscape of Victoria’s legal system along the way.
1967
Victoria Law Foundation is established by Law Institute of Victoria presidents Tom Molomby and John Cain. Cain goes on to become Victoria's 41st premier from 1982 to 1990.
1974
We provide establishment funding for Leo Cussen’s Practical Legal Education program, which will go on to provide training to generations of lawyers, including former Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon Julia Gillard.
1978
The Victoria Law Foundation Act 1978(Vic.) is implemented, providing explicit guidance for our work.
1980
Law Week kicks off for the first time, giving Victorians an unprecedented opportunity to engage with the justice system
1986
We help the community legal sector prepare for the future by providing funding for computers and new technology.
1994
Seed funding from the Foundation leads to the creation of the Public Interest Law Clearing House, now known as Justice Connect. Justice Connect continues to provide legal assistance to thousands of people and not-for-profit organisations each year.
1998
Our plain English publishing program is established and we begin helping legal professionals to better communicate their work. We still facilitate plain English training today.
2005
We provide funding to Fitzroy Legal Service to develop the Law Handbook Online, an initiative which continues today.
2009
The Victoria Law Foundation Act 2009 (Vic.) takes effect, replacing the previous Act.
2013
Everyday-Law, a website explaining Victoria’s legal system and featuring information on common legal issues facing Victorians, is launched. It runs until 2019.
2016
The Access to Justice Review is handed down, leading to changes in the Foundation’s role within the Victorian justice system.
2017
We provide seed funding to the LGBTIQ Legal Service, the first legal-health partnership of its kind in Victoria. The Service goes on to win Community Legal Service of the Year at the 2019 Victorian Legal Awards.
2018
Our inaugural research director is appointed, marking the beginning of our new research function.
2019
Law Week expands to more locations throughout Victoria than ever before, we make crucial appointments to our research team and release our three-year research plan.