13 June 2025

Victoria’s legal regulator has today issued a timely warning to lawyers who may be approached by a business engaging in ‘claim farming’, an exploitative practice that preys on individuals in vulnerable situations who are seeking redress. 

Claim farming sees third party businesses make unsolicited cold calls to victim-survivors of institutional childhood sexual abuse and members of the Stolen Generations. Often, they use unethical and high-pressure tactics to coerce people into making a claim, which they then on-sell to lawyers. 

In the new guidance released today, the Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner (VLSB+C) makes clear its expectations of lawyers who engage with people eligible for redress. It unpacks what good and bad practices look like, and lawyers’ obligation to act in the best interests of their client – and to not bring the profession into disrepute. 

Board CEO and Commissioner Fiona McLeay said she was concerned about reports of lawyers intentionally targeting people in vulnerable situations to acquire as clients.  

“I am concerned about conduct that may mislead victim-survivors into thinking they need a lawyer to apply for redress or where it is unclear to the victim-survivor that the person referring them to a lawyer has been paid for that referral,” Ms McLeay said. 

“My office also remains concerned about overcharging, and will take complaints about this conduct very seriously.”  

According to the VLSB+C, lawyer involvement in claim farming is unacceptable, and can amount to unsatisfactory professional conduct or the more serious charge of professional misconduct. 

“For Victorians to maintain confidence and trust in the profession, it is imperative that lawyers maintain the highest professional and ethical standards when engaging with all their clients – including people eligible for redress,” Ms McLeay said. 

“If Victorians are aware of lawyer involvement in claim farming, we urge them to report it to our office.” 

Claim farming is a key risk the VLSB+C has identified as part of its annual risk outlook for Victoria’s legal profession. It is one of a number of risks identified by the legal regulator that are causing consumer harm – or have the potential to cause harm – and therefore have serious regulatory implications.