In 2000, the Victorian Bar launched a Legal Assistance Scheme in association with the Public Interest Law Clearing House, to coordinate pro bono work among barristers in Victoria.
Overseen by the Pro Bono Committee, the Scheme assists individuals and community groups with legal aid.
This work includes advocating for human rights, environmental or social justice causes, and helping people who are marginalised or from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The premise of the Scheme is to ensure that everyone has access to legal representation regardless of age, gender, race, disability or socio-economic hardship.
In 2016, the Victorian Bar endorsed the National Model Gender Equitable Briefing Policy, launched by the Law Council of Australia to achieve a nationally consistent approach towards bringing about cultural and attitudinal change within the legal profession concerning gender briefing practices.