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.
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Meet our team

Introducing our highly-skilled and experienced researchers.

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Latest news and research

Title of the report, Understanding How Australians Use Legal Services: The Pilot X-LULU Survey  with a cover image of the report
24 Mar 2026

Understanding How Australians Use Legal Services: The Pilot X-LULU Survey

Research Director Nigel Balmer explains how new survey research is providing an evidence-based window into the real-life experience of legal service users across Australia.

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11 Mar 2026

Have your say in the 2026 Lawyer Census

As Victoria’s new dedicated Legal Services Research Centre, we are conducting the 2026 Lawyer Census on behalf of the Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner (VLSB+C).

The image of two cars needing repair with two mechanics standing alongside.
23 Mar 2026

When legal services work and when they don't

A new paper by Professor Nigel Balmer compares how people deal with transactional legal matters compared to complex disputes – and why it matters.