ATLAS user guides

The ATLAS user guides are a step-by-step guides to help you use the most common functions in ATLAS.

We also run regular training sessions to help practitioners use the ATLAS system.

Applications

• ATLAS Changes to the Simplified Process – Indictable Crime – Trial application form (docx, 434.25 KB) – how to notify VLA of the preferred counsel for trial and how to request assistance for Senior Counsel
• ATLAS New application (doc, 868 KB) – how to submit a new application for legal assistance on behalf of a client
• ATLAS Edit/review draft application or extension (doc, 256 KB) – how to retrieve a draft or partially completed application or extension, and how to submit it
• ATLAS Extension (doc, 670.5 KB) – how to submit an extension for further legal assistance
• ATLAS Transfer OUT (doc, 274.5 KB) – how to request that a grant of assistance be transferred OUT to another practitioner. This would most usually occur when a conflict of interest arises
• ATLAS Transfer IN (doc, 930 KB) – how to request that a grant of assistance be transferred IN from another practitioner. This would most usually occur when a client requests that you take over the conduct of their matter
• ATLAS Reconsideration (doc, 246.5 KB) – how to submit an application for reconsideration of a decision or condition relating to a grant of legal assistance
• ATLAS Review (doc, 233 KB) – how to submit an application for independent review of a decision that has been internally reconsidered by Victoria Legal Aid
• ATLAS File outcome (doc, 323.5 KB) – how to report on the outcome of a grant of assistance when the matter is completed
• Changes to the ATLAS criminal law templates from 1 August 2016 and download the new Panel practitioner guide to ATLAS Criminal Law templates (docx, 133.03 KB)
• ATLAS – Changes to reflect requirements under the Major Criminal Cases Framework (docx, 751.49 KB) – describes changes to and provides information about completing:
  • the Simplified Process – Committal Mention and/or plea to the County Court application form
  • the Simplified Process – Committal Mention and/or plea to the Supreme Court application form
  • the Simplified Process – Indictable Crime – Trial application form
  • the Submit Correspondence function
  • the File Outcome function.

File management

• ATLAS File enquiry (doc, 198 KB) – how to check details of a file such as the status of the grant of assistance and the scope of aid, and how to obtain a list of approved ATLAS files assigned to your office
• ATLAS Submit correspondence (doc, 163.5 KB) – how to provide relevant information to Victoria Legal Aid about the grant of aid. Correspondence should not be sent by post, DX or facsimile
• ATLAS File client correspondence (doc, 105.5 KB) – how to elect whether client correspondence from Victoria Legal Aid is to be sent to the practitioner only

Claims

• ATLAS Changes to the 'Submit Claims' screen (doc, 337.5 KB) – describes changes to the 'Submit Claims' screen
• ATLAS Direct payments to barristers (doc, 542.5 KB) – how to pay a barrister directly from ATLAS
• ATLAS Submit new claim (doc, 175 KB) – how to submit a claim to Victoria Legal Aid for payment
• ATLAS Costs indemnified and appeals costs fund certificates (doc, 186.5 KB) – how to complete the Costs Indemnified section when submitting a claim for payment
• ATLAS Submit saved claim (doc, 89.5 KB) – how to retrieve, update and submit a claim or how to delete a claim
• ATLAS Invoice and claim enquiry (doc, 176 KB) – how to obtain details of an invoice such as status, the amounts available and claimed, and a submitted claim and payment details

Client

• ATLAS Update client details (doc, 112.5 KB) – how to notify Victoria Legal Aid of changes to client details

Other

• ATLAS Requisitions (doc, 320.5 KB) – how to respond to requests from Victoria Legal Aid for further information regarding an application for assistance