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Independent Legal Assistance and Review Service (ILARS)
The Independent Review Office (IRO) manages the Independent Legal Assistance Review Service (ILARS).
ILARS provides access to independent legal advice for injured workers for workers compensation matters. This service covers disputes about workers compensation claims and entitlements. It does not cover motor vehicle crash claims.
What ILARS provides
We recommend that you contact us or call your lawyer as soon as you can if you have a problem with your workers compensation claim.
Through ILARS, the IRO can:
- fund legal advice from approved lawyers
- cover legal fees and related costs (such as medical reports)
- provide access to lawyers with experience in workers compensation
IRO does not give legal advice directly. All advice is provided by approved lawyers.
When ILARS may be used
ILARS may be available when:
- there is a dispute with an insurer
- a claim or entitlement is being challenged
Some issues may be resolved earlier by the IRO without the need for legal advice.
IRO Approved Lawyers
The IRO maintains a list of Approved Lawyers. These lawyers:
- have experience in workers compensation
- meet IRO requirements to provide independent advice
- can apply for ILARS funding for eligible matters
The IRO uses this list to support access to legal advice under ILARS.
Use the search tool to find an Approved Lawyer.
On this page
How the process works
Step 1
You contact a lawyer from the IRO’s list of Approved Lawyers
IRO’s list of Approved Lawyers
Step 2
The lawyer reviews your matter
Step 3
The lawyer applies to ILARS for funding
Step 4
The IRO assesses the application
To approve funding, the IRO must be satisfied that 'the matter has a reasonable chance of success'. If approved, ILARS funds the legal work.
Timeframes
The IRO aims to assess funding applications within 5 business days.
Other outcomes
In some cases:
- the issue may be resolved directly with the insurer without legal assistance
- funding may not be approved if the matter is unlikely to succeed
You can still take your matter to the Personal Injury Commission (PIC) without ILARS funding, but you will need to cover your own legal costs.
Using IRO services
The IRO can:
- explain how ILARS works
- connect you with an approved lawyer
- assess and manage funding applications
There are legal time limits for some claims, so early contact is recommended.