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Independent empirical research to shape the future of justice.

Chance, Order, Change 12 (Four Colours), 1980, Kenneth Martin. © The estate of Kenneth Martin
Image: Chance, Order, Change 12 (Four Colours), 1980, Kenneth Martin. © The estate of Kenneth Martin

Explore our research

Legal Services Research Centre is the independent research function of the Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner. We conduct cutting-edge empirical research to provide a powerful, independent voice to inform justice policy and practice within Victoria, and beyond.
Learn more about our projects

Spotlight: Small Area Modelling for Legal Need

Our small area modelling research, developed in collaboration with the Victoria Law Foundation, uses data from the Public Understanding of Law Survey (PULS) to calculate and predict civil legal problem prevalence. It uses models developed on PULS data and applies them to Census data that is then aggregated to the small area level.

Learn more and access the maps

Latest news and research

Photo image of Dr Hugh McDonald
14 Sep 2026

Vale, Dr Hugh McDonald

In memory of our dear colleague Dr Hugh McDonald

Report cover for the report: What Makes a Competent Lawyer: Findings from the 2025 Victorian Lawyer Census
14 Sep 2026

What makes a competent lawyer?

A new report from the Legal Services Research Centre investigates the skills Victorian lawyers consider critical to good lawyering.

Text that reads: Celebrating 1 year of the Legal Services Research Centre on a dark blue background
15 Sep 2026

Celebrating our first birthday

It’s one year since the launch of the Legal Services Research Centre.