At Blackthorn Resolute, we believe that financial hardship should not prevent people from accessing professional dispute-resolution support. We offer a limited number of free pro bono mediation sessions to qualifying individuals and community-based matters.

Our pro bono service is intended primarily for ordinary individuals and community members who may otherwise struggle to afford professional mediation.

Who Can Apply?

You may request consideration for a free pro bono session if you are experiencing financial hardship and need help with a dispute such as:

• Family or parenting disagreements
• Divorce or separation-related disputes
• Couples or relationship conflicts
• School or community disputes
• Workplace disagreements or interpersonal conflicts
• Other suitable personal disputes that may benefit from mediation or negotiation

Community organisations, schools, churches, and non-profit organisations may also apply where the matter is non-commercial and suitable for our services.

What Is Not Normally Covered?

Pro bono assistance is intended for suitable personal and community disputes. The following matters are not normally eligible:

• Business or commercial disputes
• Contractual or commercial claims
• Debt collection matters
• Legal representation or legal advice
• Litigation strategy
• Urgent court applications
• Matters where an attorney is already formally representing a party, unless specifically approved beforehand

If your matter requires legal advice, representation, counselling, social-work assistance, or another specialist service, we may recommend that you consult an appropriately qualified professional.

What Does the Free Session Include?

A qualifying pro bono session includes:

• One confidential session
• Up to 90 minutes (1.5 hours) of professional time
• Assistance in identifying and clarifying the dispute
• Help communicating concerns and interests
• Exploration of practical options for resolving the disagreement
• Guidance on possible next steps

The purpose of the session is to help the parties understand the dispute and explore whether a constructive resolution is possible.

Important Limitations

The free service is deliberately limited so that we can continue to make pro bono assistance available to people who genuinely need it.

Please note:

• A free pro bono service is limited to one session of up to 90 minutes.
• A free session does not automatically include additional meetings.
• Document drafting, settlement-agreement drafting, written reports, extensive document review, travel, or additional professional work are not included.
• Additional services may be available at our standard rates, but no additional paid work will be undertaken without agreement beforehand.
• Receiving a free session does not create an ongoing obligation for Blackthorn Resolute to continue assisting with the matter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a pro bono mediation session?

A pro bono mediation session is a free mediation service provided to qualifying individuals who may not be able to afford the normal cost of professional mediation. The session is intended to help participants understand the dispute, communicate their concerns, and explore possible solutions.

Who qualifies for free pro bono mediation?

Pro bono mediation is primarily intended for individuals experiencing financial hardship whose disputes are suitable for mediation. Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis and depends on both the circumstances of the applicant and the nature of the dispute.

What types of disputes can be considered?

Suitable matters may include family disputes, separation or divorce-related disagreements, relationship conflicts, school disputes, workplace disagreements, and certain community disputes. Each request is considered individually.

Is pro bono mediation completely free?

The approved pro bono session is free and is limited to one session of up to 90 minutes. Additional services or sessions are not automatically included and may be charged at the applicable standard rates if you choose to continue.

Does applying guarantee a free mediation session?

No. Submitting a request does not guarantee that a pro bono session will be approved. Requests are assessed according to eligibility, suitability, availability, and the limited number of pro bono sessions that can be offered.

Can I apply if I cannot afford a mediator?

Yes. Financial hardship is one of the main circumstances considered when assessing pro bono applications. You should provide a brief explanation of your circumstances when submitting your request.

Do I need an attorney to use pro bono mediation?

No. Mediation does not normally require the parties to have attorneys. However, Blackthorn Resolute does not provide legal advice or legal representation. If you need legal advice about your rights or legal position, you should consult an attorney.

Can pro bono mediation guarantee that my dispute will be resolved?

No. Mediation is a voluntary process and no particular outcome can be guaranteed. The mediator helps the parties communicate and explore possible solutions but does not decide the dispute for them.

Can I get more than one free session?

Not normally. The pro bono service is limited to one session of up to 90 minutes. Additional sessions may be considered where appropriate, but they are not automatically free and may be subject to our standard rates.

What happens if my dispute needs more time?

If it becomes clear that the matter requires additional sessions or professional work, we will explain the available options and applicable fees before additional paid services are provided.

Is the pro bono session confidential?

Yes. Information shared during the session will generally be treated as confidential, subject to applicable legal and professional obligations and circumstances where disclosure may be required by law.

Can Blackthorn Resolute refuse a pro bono request?

Yes. Pro bono assistance is subject to eligibility, suitability, availability, and professional considerations. We may decline a request where the matter falls outside our scope, a conflict of interest exists, the process is unsuitable, or other circumstances make it inappropriate to proceed.

How do I apply for pro bono mediation?

You can request consideration by contacting Blackthorn Resolute by email or through our website’s contact form. Please provide your contact details, a brief description of the dispute, the parties involved where appropriate, and a short explanation of why you are requesting pro bono assistance.

How quickly will I receive an appointment?

There is no guaranteed response or appointment time. Requests are reviewed subject to availability, and submitting an application does not guarantee an appointment.

How to Apply

To request consideration for a pro bono session:

1. Contact us by email or through our website contact form.
2. Provide your name and contact details.
3. Give us a brief description of the dispute.
4. Explain briefly why you are requesting pro bono assistance.
5. Provide any relevant information we may need to determine whether the matter is suitable.

We may contact you if further information is required before a decision can be made.

Approval and Availability

Pro bono sessions are offered subject to availability and are allocated at the discretion of Blackthorn Resolute.

We cannot guarantee that every request will be approved or that an appointment will be available at a particular time.

Priority may be given to applicants who demonstrate genuine financial need and whose matters are suitable for mediation or negotiation.

Terms and Conditions

1. Nature of the Service

Blackthorn Resolute provides mediation and negotiation services. Pro bono assistance does not include legal advice, legal representation, financial advice, psychological counselling, or social-work services.

2. Confidentiality

Information shared during a pro bono session will generally be treated as confidential, subject to applicable legal, professional, and safety obligations.

3. No Guaranteed Outcome

Mediation and negotiation are voluntary processes. Blackthorn Resolute cannot guarantee that the parties will reach an agreement or that the dispute will be resolved.

4. Additional Services

Any work beyond the approved free session, including additional mediation sessions, written reports, settlement-agreement drafting, document review, or other professional services, will only be provided by separate agreement and at the applicable standard rates.

5. Right to Decline or End a Session

Blackthorn Resolute reserves the right to decline, postpone, reschedule, or end a pro bono session where:

• The matter falls outside our scope of practice.
• A conflict of interest exists.
• Necessary information has not been provided.
• The process is unlikely to be constructive or appropriate.
• Abusive, threatening, or inappropriate behaviour occurs.
• Circumstances arise that make it inappropriate or unsafe to continue.

6. No Legal Advice or Representation

Participation in a pro bono mediation or negotiation session does not establish an attorney-client relationship and does not replace independent legal advice where legal advice is required.

7. No Guarantee of Availability

Pro bono services are limited and subject to availability. Submission of an application does not guarantee approval, an appointment, or continued assistance.

8. Limitation of Responsibility

To the extent permitted by law, Blackthorn Resolute is not responsible for decisions made by participants during or after a mediation or negotiation session, including decisions to enter into, reject, or continue negotiations concerning an agreement.

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Request Pro Bono Assistance

If you believe your situation may qualify, contact Blackthorn Resolute with a brief description of your circumstances and the dispute. We will assess whether the matter may be suitable for consideration under our pro bono service.

Please note: Requesting pro bono assistance does not guarantee that a free session will be available or that your dispute will be resolved.