VCAT Self-Representation: When You Must Represent Yourself and When You Can Have a Lawyer

The $15,000 Representation Rule

Under section 62 of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 1998, professional legal representation is generally prohibited in goods and services disputes where the claim is $15,000 or less. Both sides must represent themselves unless the Tribunal grants leave — special permission — to bring a lawyer.

This rule exists because VCAT was designed as an accessible, low-cost forum where ordinary people can resolve disputes without the expense of solicitors. The idea is that keeping lawyers out of small claims keeps costs proportionate to the amount in dispute and the process more informal.

For disputes over $15,000, representation remains subject to applicable statutory rules and any required leave. Do not assume that the small-claim restriction is the only rule governing representation.

When the Tribunal Grants Leave for Representation

Even for claims of $15,000 or less, the Tribunal can grant leave for legal representation. The Member assesses whether it would be unfair to one party to refuse. Common grounds for leave include:

• The other party is legally represented or has legal training. This may be relevant to whether leave is fair, but it does not guarantee that the Tribunal will grant leave.
• The matter is unusually complex. If the dispute involves complicated legal questions — overlapping statutory regimes, multiple parties, or expert technical evidence — the Member may decide that unrepresented parties cannot adequately present the case.
• One party has a disability or language barrier that makes self-representation impractical. In these circumstances, leave may be granted for a lawyer or a professional advocate.
• A corporate entity is involved. A company (Pty Ltd or Ltd) may be permitted to have a director or officer represent it, or may seek leave for legal representation if the individual director is not equipped to run the case.

To apply for leave, you would typically raise the request at the first directions hearing or by written application to the Tribunal, explaining why representation is necessary and why refusing it would be unfair.

What a Support Person Can and Cannot Do

You are allowed to bring a support person to any VCAT hearing — a friend, family member, or community worker — without needing leave. The support person can sit with you, take notes, help you find documents in your bundle, and provide emotional support.

What a support person cannot do is speak for you, cross-examine the other party, or run your case unless the Tribunal Member grants specific written authorisation. If you want your support person to advocate on your behalf, you need to apply for leave in advance, explaining why you cannot present the case yourself and why the proposed person is suitable.

In practice, Members are often pragmatic about this. A support person who quietly prompts you or points to a relevant document is unlikely to draw objection. But one who tries to take over the hearing will be stopped.

Preparing to Represent Yourself

Self-representation at VCAT is manageable if you prepare properly. The Tribunal is used to hearing from people without legal training, and Members will generally explain procedural steps as the hearing progresses.

The core preparation tasks are the same whether you have a lawyer or not:

• File your Points of Defence by the directed deadline, addressing each allegation in the applicant's claim. See our guide on writing Points of Defence.
• Organise your evidence bundle in chronological order and exchange it with the other party within the required timeframe. Our post on VCAT evidence rules covers the specifics.
• Know the basic hearing etiquette — address the Member as "Member," speak when invited, do not interrupt, stick to facts rather than emotional appeals. See our hearing preparation guide.

You do not need to know the law in detail. The Member will apply the relevant legislation regardless of whether you cite it. What you do need is clear evidence and a factual narrative that addresses what the applicant is claiming.

Free Legal Help for Self-Represented Parties

If your dispute is $15,000 or less and you cannot have a lawyer at the hearing, you can still seek help before the hearing from several free services:

• Victoria Legal Aid provides legal information and referrals, but does not give legal advice about consumer complaints or business and commercial matters. Direct representation in civil commercial disputes is rarely available.
• Community Legal Centres across Victoria offer free legal advice sessions. Some centres have specific programs for VCAT matters.
• Justice Connect runs self-help programs. As of October 2026, its Domestic Building Legal Service is not accepting new applications and expects to reopen in late October 2026.

Community legal centres may help you understand your legal position and review your Points of Defence. Justice Connect's self-help resources can help you understand the process.

For the complete process of responding to a VCAT civil claim, see our step-by-step guide.

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