Indigenous people are over-represented in the courts in both Australia and Canada. They face special disadvantages in dealing with the courts that have led to the development of special legal services operated by Indigenous people. The kind of legal organisation is not the same in these two countries due to differences in demographics, economics, culture, law, politics and technology. These factors provide both constraints and opportunities for the services. Examples from two case studies are used: Native Counselling Services of Alberta, and the Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement of South Australia. The case studies indicate that Indigenous legal services organisations must adapt and innovate if they are to continue to provide services for Indigenous peoples. (Abstract, edited.)