The idea for the Queensland Handbook for Practitioners on Legal Capacity had its genesis through regularly coming across issues of client capacity in QAI’s work and realising there was a gap for this sort of resource in the Queensland legal landscape. It is hoped that Queensland lawyers will find the Handbook useful in supporting their vulnerable clients and increase access to justice for people with disability.

QAI first approached Allens to assist in producing a capacity handbook on 17 July 2013. It was launched by The Honourable Justice Ann M Lyons on 19 May 2015.

QAI gratefully acknowledges the significant pro bono support of Allens and Scott Lang without whom this project would not have been possible.

We also thank the Queensland Law Society and Stafford Shepherd for their input and endorsement of the handbook for use by Queensland solicitors.

This handbook was prepared by:

Allens: Scott Lang, Corin Morcom, Andrea Moffatt, Kelly Lloyd, Ashleigh Dixon, Gillian Hayden and Daniel Bradford; Supervising Partner: Karla Fraser; Publications: Irene D’Errico

Queensland Advocacy Incorporated: Rebekah Leong, David Manwaring, Michelle O’Flynn

With the contribution of:

Seniors Legal and Support Service, Nundah Community Legal Centre, Queensland Public Interest Law Clearing House Inc (QPILCH), Queensland Association of Independent Legal Services (QAILS), Queensland Law Society, Legal Services Commission, Legal Aid Queensland, Office of the Public Advocate, Office of the Adult Guardian, the Public Trustee of Queensland, members of QCAT, and volunteers of the University of Queensland Pro Bono Centre.