Volunteering in the Law Handbook 2024

VOLUNTEERING

IN THE LAW HANDBOOK 2024

Deakin Law Students’ Society

PUBLISHED BY DEAKIN LAW STUDENTS' SOCIETY WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO Swathika Karthik Director of Social Justice and Equity Keshavi Perera, Don Ahas Kannangara, Ben Smith and Nitish Mathias Officers of Social Justice and Equity Katie Wand Senior Communications Adviser at Federation of Community Legal Centres

Courtney McKenzie President

Jordan Cook Director of Communications Lucy French Co-Director of Sponsorship Lucy Terry Director of Marketing Lavenia Goga Officer of Marketing

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR

CONTENTS Director’s Foreword

4

President’s Foreword

5

Gadens

6

Pro Bono at Gadens

8

What is a Community Legal Centre?

11

Federation of Community Legal Centres Victoria

12

Specialist Community Legal Centres

13

Generalist Community Legal Centres

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DIRECTOR’S FOREWORD Swathika Karthik Director of Social Justice and Equity

It is my pleasure to present you with the 2024 Deakin Law Students’ Society’s Volunteering in the Law Handbook! This guide follows from the inaugural launch in 2018 with up-to-date information as of this year.

I hope that this guide will open your eyes to many of the possible ways to contribute to society using your law degree. As I always say, law is a tool for change.

On a more personal note, over the course of my degree I have volunteered at CLCs, with each one having taught me something very different. It is an incredible way for students like ourselves to gain exposure in the legal field while contributing to the greater good.

It is also something your future employers will be looking for! The law is dynamic, and the current climate of social justice and its influence on the law is reflected in this handbook.

We have the privilege of a legal education. I believe this gives us an edge in terms of advocating for greater impact. Careers in social justice, public interest and policy and reform are often overlooked, but I hope you can see the immense opportunities available to you to engage in meaningful, rewarding work.

I would like to thank my officers, Keshavi, Ben, Don and Nitish for all their efforts thus far as well as the communications portfolio for their assistance in this publication.

Best of luck to you all, in whichever direction you take. Remember, the law is a tool for change.

Swathika Karthik Director of Social Justice and Equity

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PRESIDENT’S FOREWORD Courtney McKenzie President

Welcome to the 2024 Volunteering in the Law Handbook.

While our time at university is largely focused on academic studies, there are countless other opportunities to explore. Volunteering is one of these rewarding experiences.

Volunteering presents invaluable benefits beyond the classroom. It is a key avenue for developing yourself as a legal professional, enhancing personal growth, and supporting the broader community.

Engaging in volunteer work allows you to apply the theoretical knowledge gained from your courses to real-world scenarios, enhancing your practical skills and providing a broader perspective of the legal field.

Volunteering is something that anyone can be involved in, regardless of how far along you are in your degree. It does not matter if you are a first-year student or nearing graduation; there are always opportunities to contribute and make a difference.

This guide is a true one-stop-shop in learning how to get involved. This guide not only delves into the many organisations that depend significantly on volunteer support to serve their communities effectively, but also offers insights into the experiences of fellow Deakin law students who have devoted their time to assist these remarkable organisations.

A special thanks to Swathika and her entire Social Justice and Equity team for all the tremendous work they have put in to creating this publication. They have done an incredible job in creating this Guide and I am certain that you will find it to be incredibly insightful.

Courtney McKenzie President

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GADENS Gadens is a leading Australian law firm with more than 100 partners and 880 staff across offices located in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. We regularly undertake highly complex transactional legal work for a wide range of clients across multiple industry sectors. Our clients include major Australian and multinational organisations – we are advisors to a significant number of the Top-200 companies listed on the ASX – as well as many small to medium-sized businesses, and high-net-worth families and individuals. Our aim is to help our clients achieve their objectives – providing an outstanding client experience for every client, every time. This is underpinned by our intense focus on understanding our clients, their needs and expectations and building meaningful, long-term relationships – a number of which span decades. Our mission is to help people achieve their purpose in a complex world. To do so, we aim to lead by example, inspire others, innovate and build something we are all proud of.

At Gadens, we value different voices, fresh ideas, and independent thinkers. We provide a collaborative and welcoming team environment where you can achieve the best in your personal and professional development. We strive to create a culture where the principles of sustainability and corporate social responsibility are embraced and lived by our people every day. At Gadens, we do the right thing and we make an impact. ​ e know that our success as a firm and as individuals is aligned with the wellbeing of our W community and planet. Lawyers have always had a professional obligation to provide pro bono assistance, and we are building on this foundation to create social and environmental impact across everything we do.

Sustainability and Social Impact at Gadens encompasses the following: respecting and connecting with First Nations people; acting in a sustainable manner and being true to our values; taking positions on matters of social significance; and providing access to justice to those in need. ​As a law firm, Gadens has a privileged and professional standing that confers a responsibility to contribute to the betterment of our community. This includes our professional and ethical responsibility to enhance access to the legal system, assisting disadvantaged and marginalised people and embracing the concept of corporate social responsibility.

Gadens is a signatory to the Australian Pro Bono Centre's National Pro Bono Target, which encourages lawyers to subscribe to a voluntary target of 35 hours of pro bono work each financial year. Gadens is committed to meeting or exceeding this target as a firm.

Pro Bono We have an extensive Pro Bono program that includes partnerships with the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, Mental Health Legal Centre, Moonee Valley Legal Service, Arts Law, Youth Law, Fitzroy Legal Service, Immigration Rights and Advice Centre and many others.

We encourage every Lawyer in the firm to participate, and our Graduates are no exception. Every year we have specific Pro Bono projects that are available for Graduates to participate in.

6

GADENS We are signatories to the Australian Pro Bono Centre’s National Pro Bono Target, which encourages Lawyers to undertake at least 35 hours of Pro Bono work each year.

Reconciliation ​Gadens has been a longstanding supporter of the ongoing process of reconciliation with First Nations people. We consider that reconciliation is important to our firm, our clients, the community within which we work and Australia's future. We recognise that the process of reconciliation involves a considered genuine understanding and recognition of Australia's history coupled with contemporary collaboration with First Nations people.

Social Impact Leadership We at Gadens are not just good lawyers, but part of a responsible and ethical organisation that is in touch with the corporate responsibility goals that the wider business community are setting for themselves.

In order to achieve this, Gadens has committed to undertake the following: publicly adopting positions and driving social change and law reform on matters important to us and our people; actively participating in bodies promoting a social agenda we believe in. For example, Gadens has recently joined the Diversity Council Australia; and policy, advocacy and law reform work. For example we directed pro bono resources to research in relation to the establishment of a constitutionally enshrined Voice to Parliament and the establishment of a Makarrata Commission via a referendum.

Volunteering We have regular volunteering opportunities throughout the year. We have a partnership with Ronald McDonald House in both Melbourne and Sydney - our staff love visiting the houses to cook for the families staying there. We also volunteer at Oz Harvest and St Kilda Mums.

Community Activities We mark and celebrate days including International Women’s Day, National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week. We also have various fun-runs and fundraisers throughout the year.

Sustainability We strive to create a culture where the principles of sustainability and sound corporate responsibility are embraced and lived by our people every day. In our efforts to minimise our impact on the environment and take ownership of our environmental footprint, we are continuously looking for ways to maximise the efficient use of energy, water and other resources, and minimise pollution and waste. Gadens is a Climate Active certified Carbon Neutral law firm - we encourage our people to engage in initiatives that reduce our impact on the environment. Gadens is a member of the CitySwitch program and City Smart, highlighting our commitment to environmental, ethical, and socio-economic sustainability. Further, many of our clients comprise of organisations that boast strong environmental, ethical, and socio-economic philosophies.

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PRO BONO AT GADENS After working at Gadens for several years as a Legal Assistant, I commenced the Graduate Program in March 2017. During my Graduate year, I rotated through the Intellectual Property and Technology team, as well as Real Estate and Construction. I undertook various matters that saw me gain a broad range of experience in intellectual property, technology, retail leasing, commercial leasing, and planning and environment matters. At the end of my Graduate year, I settled in the Intellectual Property and Technology team.

Cassandra Krylov Senior Associate

have a range of responsibilities, including managing pro bono partnerships, working on pro bono legal files, being actively involved in our reconciliation and sustainability initiatives and leading our corporate volunteering and fundraising program. I work alongside our Partner and Head of Sustainability and Social Impact, Sophie McNamara, and Shabnum Cassim, Special Counsel.

During my Graduate year, I undertook a variety of Pro Bono legal tasks, including research projects and volunteering at a public housing tenancy clinic that Gadens staffed in partnership with Moonee Valley Legal Service. As I had a keen interest in Social Justice and Pro Bono work, I dedicated a lot of my time to this. At the end of that year, I was managing the operation of the public housing tenancy clinic at Moonee Valley Legal Service.

One of the great parts of working within the Sustainability and Social Impact team is that we work very closely with our Graduates and junior lawyers on a range of pro bono projects, from legal clinics to research projects and individual pro bono matters that are referred to us from our pro bono partners at various community legal centres and other organisations. Our people are given autonomy and carriage of these matters, deal directly with clients and play a vital role in the continued growth and development of our Pro Bono program.

As I progressed my legal career, my involvement with Pro Bono legal work also increased. This gave me exposure to colleagues in different practice groups on these matters, as well as being responsible for managing projects and files whilst I was still a junior lawyer, gaining valuable handson experience. Whilst in the Intellectual Property and Technology team, I was both a Lawyer, then later an Associate, and our Pro Bono Coordinator.

Gadens is supportive of its people and their career ambitions – I was supported in making the changes that felt right for me in my legal career, which has led me to a role that I am incredibly passionate about and love working in. I was also supported in my parenthood journey and took a year of parental leave when I had my daughter in September 2021.

In April 2020, I moved from the Intellectual Property and Technology Team into our Brands, Clients and Markets team as a Business Development and Pro Bono Coordinator. This gave me invaluable experience in working with all the Firm's practice groups, as well as several clients – I could see how the Firm was marketing itself and securing work from new clients.

I would strongly recommend Gadens for Clerkship and Graduate roles. We are incredibly focused on mentoring and developing our junior lawyers to encourage people to follow their passions and interests. We know that one size does not fit all and we take pride in working with our lawyers to help find the legal career that best suits them.

In March 2021, there was an opportunity for me to work full-time within our Pro Bono practice (now Sustainability and Social Impact). Having taken this opportunity, I am now a Senior Associate in the Sustainability and Social Impact group and 8

COMMUNITY LEGAL CENTRES

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WHAT IS A CLC? What are Community Legal Centres?

Community Legal Centres (CLCs) are not-for-profit organisations that provide legal services to the local community. In Victoria, there are 50 CLCs. Types of CLCs 1. General service providers; these are CLCs that practice many different areas of law; and 2. Specialised service providers; these are CLCs that focus on a particular area of law.

Staff & Volunteers CLCs generally employ a combination of paid staff and volunteers, with volunteering opportunities available for a variety of roles including lawyer and paralegal roles.

Volunteers are crucial to the success of CLCs, as they allow CLCs to expand their capacity to see as many clients as possible.

Volunteering for a CLC is an opportunity to: Give back to your local community and help those in need; Gain broad legal experience, working across a wide range of issues and areas of law at a generalist CLCs; Alternatively, you can gain a more focused experience of practising a specialist area of law, if you volunteer at a specialist CLC; Develop confidence to deal with clients; and See first-hand how lawyers deliver advice as well as deal with any tricky questions posed by the client.

How to get involved 1. Contact your local CLC and enquire about any potential vacancies; and 2. Utilise the legal internship unit available at Deakin University.

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FEDERATION OF CLCS VIC

The Federation is the peak body for Victoria’s 50 CLCs and Aboriginal Legal Services. Its role is to support CLCs to continuously improve the impact of community legal services (from legal representation and advice, through to information and community legal education), enable strong and effective collective advocacy, and lead the community legal sector in a coordinated approach to creating a just and safe Victoria.

Together with CLCs, the Federation works to create a community that is fair, inclusive and thriving: where every person belongs and can learn, grow, heal, participate and be heard.

CLCs are at the forefront of helping those facing economic, cultural or social disadvantage and whose life circumstances are severely affected by their legal problem. CLCs help the community not only by meeting the legal needs of individuals, but by educating communities on their rights and responsibilities, and advocating for changes to laws and policies to make Victoria a fairer place for everyone. Through its strong working relationships with CLCs in Victoria, the Federation is able to mobilize advocacy, improve service delivery, magnify impact, and ultimately, make justice more accessible.

The Federation: Enables a strong collective voice for justice and equality; Mobilises and leads CLCs in strategic, well-coordinated advocacy and campaigns; Works with members to continuously improve the impact of community legal services; Drives creativity and excellence in the delivery of legal services to communities; and Helps make justice more accessible.

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SPECIALIST COMMUNITY LEGAL CENTRES

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CONTENTS AED Legal Centre

15

Anika Legal

16

Animal Law Institute

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Asylum Seeker Resource Centre

18

Consumer Action Law Centre

19

Disability Discrimination Legal Service

20

Djirra

21

Environmental Justice Australia

22

First Step Legal Service

23

Human Rights Law Centre

24

JobWatch

25

Justice Connect

26

Mental Health Legal Centre

27

Refugee Legal

28

Seniors Rights Victoria

29

Social Security Rights Victoria

30

Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service

31

Women’s Legal Service Victoria

32

Young Workers Centre

33

YouthLaw

34 14

AED LEGAL CENTRE

Address: Level 9, 45 William Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 Phone: (03) 9639 4333 Email: aedlegal@aed.org.au Website: www.aed.org.au AED is a statewide service for people with disability who experience discrimination in the areas of education or employment, or who seek to review decisions about their NDIS plans.

The centre provides information, education, advice, and legal representation to people with disability who experience discrimination in the areas of education or employment as well as representation to people seeking review of decisions about their NDIS plans.

Our main objective is to defend the human rights of people with a disability in education or employment and give them access to the justice system through a combination of individual, legal and systemic advocacy.

Volunteer opportunities are available upon request. This is dependent upon on workspace availability. We participate in a several internship programs with universities for law students.

Volunteers work from 9:30am - 4:30pm.

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ANIKA LEGAL

Website: https://www.anikalegal.com/ Anika Legal is an online community legal centre - we don't have a physical office, and we use tech-enabled solutions to work remotely and flexibly with our volunteers and clients.

We are a statewide service providing legal support for renters, and advocating for a fair housing system.

Our vision is a world where all renters thrive in their homes - and we work towards this vision by providing strategic service delivery to renters. At present, we specialise in rental repairs and bond recovery.

We rely on working with a large number of volunteers and interns in order to achieve the impact we want to achieve. There are two main ways for law students to work with us: Deakin law students can work with us as an intern through enrolment in the respective unit. We prioritise applications via this channel.

We also recruit for additional volunteers from time to time - depending on whether we have additional capacity after our internship intakes. Generally, these intakes will open twice a year around December (for the January start) and May (for the July start).

We look for volunteers who are self-starters, eager to learn, and passionate about legal empowerment of others in our communities. Volunteer paralegals at Anika Legal are tasked with running matters directly under the supervision of lawyers. You'll have an opportunity to directly and meaningfully work with the client as their first point of contact. Our volunteer program is flexible and remote - which can be particularly suitable for students who are looking for legal experience outside of business hours.

Vacancies, as they arise, are advertised.

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ANIMAL LAW INSTITUTE

Address: Suite 34, 139 Cardigan Street, Carlton VIC 3053 Email: info@ali.org.au Website: http://www.ali.org.au The Animal Law Institute is a national non-profit community legal centre that is dedicated to protecting animals and advocating for their interests through the Australian legal system. We provide legal advice and representation for Victorian residents on issues relating to the purchase of animals from a breeder or supplier.

We also provide pro bono legal advice and assistance to individuals and organisations that promote animal protection and the prevention of animal cruelty.

We are an entirely volunteer run organisation that focuses on strategic litigation in the animal protection sphere. We do not have any paid opportunities available.

Our team is committed to protecting animals and empowering their advocates to challenge how our legal system treats animals.

This means that we depend more heavily on our volunteers than some other organisations might.

As a predominantly volunteer-run organisation, most of our team works from home, so you will be required to undertake your role via email and telephone. We ask that you only apply for a vacancy if you are able to commit to and be available for a minimum of 12 months.

Please note, we will only consider applications for positions we are currently recruiting for.

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ASYLUM SEEKER RESOURCE CENTRE

Address: 214-218 Nicholson Street, Footscray VIC 3011 Phone: (03) 9326 6066 Email: volunteer@asrc.org.au Website: www.asrc.org.au The ASRC is a human rights organisation providing support for people seeking asylum. As an independent, community-led organisation the ASRC is in a unique position to advocate for the human rights of people seeking asylum, exempt from the pressures of government or the private sector. For this reason, the ASRC has been able to take a leading position in the opposition of Australia’s asylum seeker policy, while offering alternatives to issues faced by people seeking asylum and refugees.

Today, we are the largest independent human rights organisation for refugees and people seeking asylum, delivering more services on the ground than any other independent asylum seeker organisation in the country. Our work on the frontline with people seeking asylum informs our practice and enables us to effectively advocate for, and alongside people with lived experience.

We offer a number of volunteer positions for people at varying stages of their legal careers, with all positions working directly with clients on their migration and protection visa matters. Volunteers with prior legal experience or other related administrative and customer service professional experience are encouraged to apply. Prospective volunteers should be able to demonstrate an interest in Refugee Law and a commitment to protecting the rights of people seeking asylum.

Check the ASRC Website for regular openings and apply using the online form. ASRC has a partnership with Deakin University where students can complete a 15-week internship counted towards their degree.

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CONSUMER ACTION LAW CENTRE

Address: 6/179 Queen Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 Phone: (03) 9670 5088 Email: volunteerapplications@consumeraction.org.au Website: https://consumeraction.org.au Consumer Action Law Centre is an award-winning campaign-focused organisation with a vision for a just marketplace where people have power and business play fair. As a high impact advocacy organisation, they influence change in policy, law and industry practice across a range of consumer issues. The centre’s advocacy is based upon its direct services, provided by dedicated and highly qualified teams of lawyers and financial counsellors who advise, assist, and represent vulnerable and disadvantaged consumers across Victoria. The Centre is particularly focused on building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Consumer Action Law Centre is committed to building a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage applications from First Nations people, people with disability, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people of all ages, and LGBTIQA+ people. If we can make any adjustments or modifications to standard recruitment processes that will support and enable your application, please contact us at the email above.

As well as working with consumers directly, Consumer Action Statewide provides legal assistance on consumer and debt issues, financial counselling and policy, and works towards reforming the law to ensure a fair consumer market.

We are currently at capacity but please check our website for updates.

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DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION LEGAL SERVICE

Address: Level 2, 247 Flinders Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000 Phone: (03) 9654 8644 Email: info@ddls.org.au Website: http://ddlsaustralia.org The Disability Discrimination Legal Service Inc (DDLS) is a statewide independent community legal centre that specialises in disability discrimination legal matters, and sexual harassment of women with disabilities in the workplace. We provide free legal services in several areas including information, referral, advice, casework assistance, community legal education, and policy and law reform.

DDLS offers legal advice and representation to those who have experienced sexual harassment, discrimination, or adverse treatment due to a disability. Whether you are a woman subjected to workplace harassment or an individual who believes they have developed a disability or illness as a result of discriminatory practices, DDLS is available to offer support and guidance.

As of January 2023, the DDLS commenced a four-year project to expand our services to assist in workplace issues under the Fair Work Act as well as state and federal discrimination laws. If you have been terminated from your job, the DDLS can provide urgent support and help you meet deadlines under the Fair Work Act. Volunteers provide an important and valued contribution to the work of the Service.

Volunteers are involved in most of the Services activities.

Complete a volunteer application form located on our website and email admin@ddls.org.au.

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DJIRRA

Address: 292 Hoddle Street, Abbotsford VIC 3067 Phone: 1800 105 303 Email: provedi@djirra.org.au Website: www.fvpls.org Djirra is a statewide specialist Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) providing holistic, wrap-around family violence services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, predominantly women and their children.

Djirra provides legal advice, counselling, information, referral and support to Aboriginal victim survivors or people at immediate risk of family violence and sexual assault as well as to parents/carers of Aboriginal children.

Since starting in 2002 where they were established as the Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention & Legal Service (FVPLS Victoria), they have grown, expanded services, and evolved as an organisation, and now are Djirra.

Djirra’s volunteer program is primarily for people who have experience in, or who are studying law, however from time to time we accept applications from interested parties in a relevant discipline i.e., community development, policy, Aboriginal studies.

Please note volunteering opportunities are subject to availability and capacity of the relevant program area. If you are interested in volunteering at Djirra, please contact the email above for more information.

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ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AUSTRALIA

Address: Level 3, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton VIC 3053 Phone: 03 8341 3100 (metro and mobile calls), 1300 336 842 (rural/regional landline calls) Email: admin@envirojustice.org.au Website: www.envirojustice.org.au We're a public interest legal organisation for a radically better world.

We exist because the challenges are vast, and the time to act is now.

We believe the law is a powerful tool, and we're not afraid to use it.

We partner with communities at the frontlines to deliver environmental justice.

We transform industries.

We make governments more responsible.

We crystallise risk for companies and shareholders.

We make communities safer and fairer.

We support First Nations fighting for Country and Culture.

We protect our climate.

We keep our forests standing.

We run two programs for law students and recent graduates: Weekly placements; and Summer/Winter internships.

We also run a paid First Nations legal, campaign or communications internship program.

These programs are as advertised on our website. During semesters we typically have on board 8–10 placements and over the Winter and Summer programs we typically have 5-10 placements.

We look for law students with an interest in environmental issues and environmental law particularly those with knowledge of current environmental matters locally and at large (Usually second-year minimum, unless you have strongly relevant undergraduate studies).

While volunteers are based in our Carlton office, applications for remote internships from students outside Melbourne will be considered for exceptional candidates. We also give preference to students who have studied administrative law.

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FIRST STEP LEGAL SERVICE

Address: 42 Carlisle Street, St Kilda VIC 3182 Phone: (03) 9537 3177 Email: info@firststep.org.au Website: https://www.firststep.org.au/fsl_about_us First Step is an independent not-for-profit organisation that provides a safe and nurturing work environment for people of all backgrounds, genders, religions, sexualities, ethnicities or any other factor. People with a lived experience of mental illness or substance use are encouraged to apply for any roles at First Step, not just Peer roles, and are invited to address their experience from a strength-based perspective in their applications.

We practice predominantly in relation to criminal law and family violence (both victims and perpetrators), as well as conducting casework in family law, infringements, and victims of crime.

We are different to regular CLCs because we are co-located with medical clinicians, mental health professionals, GPs, social workers, and psychologists. We have a health-justice partnership. We sometimes have volunteer opportunities.

Generally, we will put an advertise and/or contact the universities.

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HUMAN RIGHTS LAW CENTRE

Address: Level 17, 461 Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 Phone: (03) 8636 4450 Email: admin@hrlc.org.au Website: www.hrlc.org.au The Human Rights Law Centre uses strategic legal action, policy solutions and advocacy to support people and communities to eliminate inequality and injustice and build a fairer, more compassionate Australia.

Our volunteer capacities are limited.

We do take law student volunteers through established programs with universities and organisations, and these programs will be advertised through the relevant organisation.

Unfortunately, we do not have the capacity to take on high school work experience placements.

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JOBWATCH

Address: Level 10, 21 Victoria Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 Phone: (03) 9662 1933 Email: jobwatch@jobwatch.org.au Website: www.jobwatch.org.au JobWatch is an independent, not-for-profit employment rights community legal centre supporting workers in Victoria, Queensland and Tasmania with their rights at work. We are committed to improving the lives of workers, particularly the most vulnerable and disadvantaged. Established in 1980, we are the only service of our kind in Victoria, Queensland and Tasmania.

Our primary activities include our Telephone Information Service, our legal practice, our law reform work and community legal education. We support over 16,000 workers across the country every year with their rights at work, so we are in a unique position to understand new and emerging trends in employment law and its impact on everyday workers.

JobWatch hosts students completing pro bono internships and placements. Internships generally involve speaking to callers on the JobWatch Telephone Information Service about the situations they are experiencing at work. Interns generally complete between 1-2 days per week to fulfill their requirements.

The completion of either employment law or anti-discrimination law is desirable although not mandatory as it is primarily about client/customer service experience.

At the commencement of the placement, students attend extensive training about employment, anti-discrimination and equal opportunity law. Students are also trained in the use of the JobWatch database and assist JobWatch by taking calls on the JobWatch Telephone Information Service.

JobWatch hosts 10 Deakin interns every trimester. Refer to the Work Integrated Learning Coordinator for dates.

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JUSTICE CONNECT

Address: Level 17, 461 Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 Phone: (03) 8636 4400 Email: admin@justiceconnect.org.au Website: www.justiceconnect.org.au Justice Connect is a nationwide service working to increase access to legal support, and progress social justice for those who struggle to navigate the law.

By volunteering with Justice Connect, you can make a vital contribution to our work designing and delivering high impact interventions to increase access to legal support and progress social justice.

It’s also an opportunity to learn more about how we provide that help, working closely with our team of wonderful in-house and pro bono lawyers.

If you volunteer with us, you’re part of the team, including joining us at seminars and training programs, and we encourage you to take part in fundraising and social events.

Several former volunteers have stayed connected with us afterwards, becoming pro bono lawyers working with us, or performing practical legal training with us.

This position would suit an experienced administrator/paralegal/legal secretary with a keen interest in access to justice and helping those in the community who are disadvantaged and marginalised. We look for individuals with a willingness to develop and apply new skills and a demonstrated interest in and commitment to not-for-profit organisations and the community sector. Our volunteer placements are typically for 1-2 days each week for a period of 6 months at minimum.

Our applications work on a rolling basis as we have placements ongoing throughout the year, so please complete an expression of interest at Work with us – Careers at Justice Connect.

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MENTAL HEALTH LEGAL CENTRE

Address: 72-82 Errol Street, North Melbourne VIC 3051 Phone: (03) 9629 4422 Email: mhlc@mhlc.org.au Website: https://mhlc.org.au/ The Mental Health Legal Centre (MHLC), established in 1987, provides free and confidential legal services for Victorians experiencing mental health issues in the community, in treatment facilities, and in prisons through our multi‑disciplinary legal service, education, research and advocacy work.

Getting involved also offers a real opportunity to provide high quality, responsive legal advice to members of our community who are amongst those most likely to experience human rights abuses.

Consumers of mental health services often experience human rights abuses: from being detained and treated involuntarily, to being denied humane and dignified care, the highest standard of healthcare, an adequate standard of living and participation in the workforce, to being denied decision making capacity in relation to their finances or lifestyle issues.

The Mental Health Legal Centre occasionally has volunteering opportunities available.

If you would like to express your interest, please send a CV to mhlc@mhlc.org.au. If we do not have vacancies we will keep it on file for when opportunities become available.

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REFUGEE LEGAL

Address: Level 5/333 Exhibition Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 Phone: (03) 9413 0101 Email: volunteering@refugeelegal.org.au Website: https://refugeelegal.org.au We are Australia’s largest provider of free specialist legal assistance to people seeking asylum, refugees and disadvantaged migrants. We advise, assist, educate and advocate. Our focus is on their need for legal permission to stay in safety in Australia, and to reunite with family. Our distinctive approach combines legal assistance that is both direct and strategic. Refugee Legal provides substantial legal advice and casework service for asylum seekers, refugees and disadvantaged migrants in the community and in immigration detention in Victoria and across Australia. Last year we assisted over 12,300 people. All of Refugee Legal advice and casework and strategic litigation services are free. Refugee Legal’s Research and Administrative volunteers (RA volunteers) come from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds. RA volunteers provide assistance to Refugee Legal staff and Migration Agent volunteers.

We look for: A strong interest in social justice and human rights, particularly refugee and asylum seeker rights; Solid research and analytical skills; An ability to write clearly and express complex ideas succinctly ; Capacity to pay close attention to detail while working in a fast-paced environment and juggling multiple tasks; An ability to follow instructions and complete tasks to deadlines; A basic understanding of administration and administrative processes including word processing, organisational skills, basic computer skills, a good phone manner and familiarity with data collection; A sensitivity to clients from a variety of backgrounds and a willingness to communicate openly with them and welcome them to Refugee Legal; and A flexible attitude and willingness to take on new tasks when requested.

Refugee Legal offers volunteer opportunities focused on refugee and migration law, providing legal support to individuals seeking asylum or navigating the migration system. Volunteer positions are currently closed but generally open on a rolling basis or according to specific application periods advertised on their website, typically beginning in January and June. Volunteers are expected to commit to one day a week for a year. This role offers valuable experience in refugee and migration law while contributing to critical support for those in need. Please see our website for further application details.

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SENIORS RIGHTS VICTORIA

Address: Level 2, Suite 2.5, 424 St Kilda Road, Melbourne VIC 3004 Phone: 1300 368 821 Email: info@seniorsrights.org.au Senior Rights Victoria is a statewide service that is part of the Council of the Ageing (COTA) and is dedicated to advancing the rights of older people and the early intervention into, or prevention of, elder abuse in our community. Seniors Rights Victoria provides information, support, advice, and education to help prevent elder abuse and safeguard the rights, dignity and independence of older people.

Our services include a Helpline (1300 368 821), specialist legal services and advocacy for individuals and education. Seniors Rights Victoria also provides leadership on police and law reform and works with organisations and groups to raise awareness of elder abuse.

Senior Rights Victoria does not have a fixed recruitment schedule for volunteers, but you may submit an expression of interest.

For more information or to register your interest, please email volunteering@cotavic.org.au or call us on (03) 9655 2100.

If you decide to volunteer, we will interview you and match you with a role that suits your skills, interests and availability. You will need to complete some paperwork and do a police check before commencing as a volunteer. Additionally, all volunteers participate in a comprehensive orientation program and receive ongoing training.

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SOCIAL SECURITY RIGHTS VICTORIA

Address: PO Box 4226, Fitzroy VIC 3065 Phone: (03) 9481 0355 Email: info@ssrv.org.au Website: www.ssrv.org.au Social Security Rights Victoria (SSRV) is a community legal centre that provides free legal services in relation to Social Security and Centrelink matters to people across Victoria.

When SSRV is recruiting volunteers, the advertisements will appear on our website.

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VICTORIAN ABORIGINAL LEGAL SERVICE

Address: 273 High Street, Preston VIC 3072 Phone: 1800 064 865 Email: vals@vals.org.au Website: www.vals.org.au Statewide ACCO providing services in criminal, civil and family law for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

VALS’ legal services include Family, Civil, and Criminal law. Our Wirraway Police and Prison Accountability practice advocates for the rights of people in prison or in custody. Wirraway also advocates for improved policing and corrections accountability. Balit Ngulu are our team specialising in work with young people.

Since 2021, VALS has hosted over 200 volunteers.

Feedback from some of our VALS Volunteers: “I really liked how VALS’ culture was unabashedly focused on social justice without losing sight of the people involved. That was really human, and an experience I wish I could say that I always had in community spaces.”

“I loved my time at VALS, it honestly meant so much to volunteer and see how legal practice can be delivered in a way that is currently sensitive and empowering.”

“Working at VALS as a volunteer means that you get to learn and enact the importance of contributing to First Nations justice through volunteering and learn more about the systemic problems entrenched in criminal law, and the legal systems of Australia more broadly. Then, in your own, personal way, you can work towards remedying that, and hopefully contribute to making those systems more just and equitable.”

We are currently at capacity. However, expressions of interest reopen in September 2024.

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WOMEN’S LEGAL SERVICE VICTORIA

Address: PO Box 13311, Law Courts VIC 8010 Phone: (03) 8622 0600 Email: admin@womenslegal.org.au Website: www.womenslegal.org.au For over four decades, Women’s Legal Service Victoria has championed women’s rights to live free from violence.

Throughout our history, countless women have volunteered their time and skills to address the discrimination women face in the legal system, working to improve laws and access to justice.

Women's Legal is not accepting volunteer applications at the moment.

We invite you to check our website for future opportunities.

Volunteers have been supporting Women’s Legal Service Victoria since 1981. We are committed to supporting volunteer involvement to extend and enhance our services and to provide meaningful work for women within the legal sector and associated fields.

Women’s Legal has exemption #A439 from provision of the Equal Opportunity Act 1995 to employ women only.

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YOUNG WORKERS CENTRE

Address: 54 Victoria Street, Carlton VIC 3053 Phone: 1800 714 754 Website: www.youngworkers.org.au We're a one-stop-shop for young workers aged 30 and under who want to learn more about their rights at work or who need assistance in resolving workplace issues. Our team of lawyers, organisers, educators and researchers seek to empower young people working in Victoria with the knowledge and skills needed to end workplace exploitation and insecurity.

We produce resources aimed at assisting young people to understand their rights at work, such as fact sheets, as well as running training days and social events for young people who want to get more involved in the fight for safe and secure jobs. The Centre also provides personalised advice for young people who have come across issues at work such as unfair dismissal, bullying and harassment.

We want Victoria to be a state where young people feel safe and respected at work - it's only by standing together that we can make that happen.

Volunteers are a crucial part of the Young Workers community. You can complete a form on our website.

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YOUTHLAW

Address: 147-155 Pelham Street, Carlton VIC 3053 Phone: (03) 9113 9500 Email: info@youthlaw.asn.au Website: https://www.youngworkers.org.au/ Youthlaw is Victoria’s state-wide free community legal centre for young people under 25 years of age.

We work to address the legal issues facing young people through legal services, advocacy, law reform and preventative education programs, within a human rights and social justice framework.

We have a drop in clinic at Frontyard and a number of innovative outreach services including a Skype legal service to young people in regional and rural Victoria. Youthlaw is currently dedicated to social justice through initiatives like the Fines Clinic, AVITH Program, Out-of-Home Care Project, and Raise the Age campaign, which work to address fines issues, support survivors of violence, improve care for children, and advocate for raising the age of criminal responsibility.

We are seeking applicants who are currently enrolled in or have completed a tertiary degree or postgraduate course, with a preference for those who are in their second year or later. Volunteers should be available to commit to a weekly schedule for at least 12 months, with the option of a half-day or full-day shift. We value strong verbal and written communication skills, the ability to follow directions and take initiative, and a commitment to regular attendance. Applicants should also possess discretion, the ability to work well both within a team and independently, and a genuine sensitivity to working with young people experiencing disadvantage and marginalisation. Applicant may require a Working With Children Check depending on the role. Our volunteering hours are flexible.

Volunteer opportunities for the Youthlaw roles are advertised throughout the year on our website and social media platforms. Although there are no current openings, we anticipate having 5–10 new volunteer positions available by the end of this year, with opportunities extending into the next year.

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GENERALIST COMMUNITY LEGAL CENTRES

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CONTENTS ARC Justice

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Ballarat and Grampians Community Legal Service

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Barwon Community Legal Service

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Brimbank Community Legal Centre

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Eastern Community Legal Centre

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Fitzroy Legal Service

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Hume Riverina Community Legal Service

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Northern Community Legal Centre

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Peninsula Community Legal Centre

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West Heidelberg Community Legal Service

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NON CLC’s

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ARC JUSTICE

Address: 1 High Street, Branditt VIC 3630 Website: https://arcjustice.org.au/ ARC Justice (Advocacy and Rights Centre Ltd.) was established in 2000. We have a long history of community engagement, partnerships, advocacy and campaigning, beginning as a tenancy rights and advocacy service in Bendigo and going on to establish two community legal centres in Bendigo and Shepparton.

Our programs now provide legal and tenancy support services across ten local government areas in central and northern Victoria, with a team of 37 staff working to advocate for and uphold the rights of rural and regional Victorians.

Volunteers are critical to our work increasing access to justice and housing for rural and regional Victorians. We provide opportunities for local lawyers and other professional volunteers to contribute their skills and expertise to support the community.

Volunteer Solicitor: “Volunteering at the Wednesday Night Service gives me an opportunity to connect with other practitioners and keep up my experience in areas of law I don’t get the chance to deal with from day to day. Additionally, it is fantastic to be able to assist people who otherwise wouldn’t be in a position to access legal assistance.”

You can complete an expression of interest through our website.

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BALLARAT AND GRAMPIANS COMMUNITY LEGAL SERVICE

Address: 5 Chancery Lane, Ballarat Central VIC 3350 Phone: 1800 466 488 Email: reception@bgcls.org.au Website: https://www.bgcls.org.au/ Ballarat & Grampians Community Legal Service (BGCLS) is a for purpose organisation providing free legal advice, information and community legal education to people who live, work or study in the Central Highlands and Wimmera regions of Victoria.

BGCLS assists not only with individual legal matters, but also more broadly in community development, community legal education, capacity building and law and policy reform projects based on the needs of our community.

We actively work in partnership wherever possible, with government, Victoria Legal Aid and other publicly funded legal assistance service providers, pro bono contributors, the private legal profession, community services agencies and other community partners to ensure the best outcomes for their clients and community.

Volunteer opportunities BGCLS provides a variety of opportunities for university students in various areas of study including Law, Social Work and Criminal Justice.

We note that our student placement programs are currently suspended, however if you would like to be considered for student placement, please contact send an email to reception@bgcls.org.au.

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BARWON COMMUNITY LEGAL SERVICE

Address: Level 1 63 Thomson Street, Belmont VIC 3216 Phone: 1300 430 599 Email: bcls@barwoncls.org.au Website: https://www.barwoncommunitylegal.org.au/ We are an independent Community Legal Service that is funded by the State and Federal Governments to provide free legal information, advice, and casework to members of our local community. A key part of our work is community education and awareness and contributing to law reform, as well as providing direct legal assistance. Established in 1986 as the Geelong Community Legal Service, our service now supports the legal needs of the Greater Geelong, Bellarine Peninsula, Surf Coast and Colac Otway communities.

In partnership with Deakin University, we operate a student internship program for final year law students. The internship program provides the opportunity for students to gain practical experience within a legal environment under the supervision of our principal and supervising lawyers. During their placement students interact firsthand with lawyers and clients, help manage files and complete casework. The program is a fantastic opportunity for final year students to prepare for their future career, whether that be in the private or community-based sectors.

We can accommodate three to four students per intake and generally offer one intake in Trimester 1 and another in Trimester 2 of the academic year. For more information about our Deakin student internship program, contact us.

We have also an established program for students who wish to undertake their Practical Legal Training (PLT) that allows them to gain valuable legal experience in a variety of supervised roles.

During placement, PLT students will receive on the job legal training under the supervision of our experienced lawyers. This experience will include working directly with our clients to take instructions, assessing matters for ongoing assistance, legal research, drafting letters, memoranda and briefs.

Students will be exposed to a broad range of clients and matters and will also participate in our education and community development programs, and may have the opportunity to contribute to law reform. Many of our PLT students remain at the service as a volunteer until they find full-time work. We have also appointed graduate lawyers through our PLT program. For more information about our PLT program, please contact us.

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BRIMBANK COMMUNITY LEGAL CENTRE

Address: Suites 2-4, 30-32 E Esplanade, St Albans VIC 3021 Phone: (03) 8592 9077 Email: legal@comm-unityplus.org.au Website: www.comm-unityplus.org.au Brimbank Melton Community Legal Centre (BMCLC) provides free legal services for people who live, work or study in the Brimbank, Melton and Bacchus Marsh communities.

Community Legal The Brimbank Melton Community Legal Centre (BMCLC) offers volunteer opportunities where individuals are able to learn and develop administrative-legal skills. These responsibilities include the process of client intakes, composing documentation for our staff members regarding clients and all other parties and many other fundamental tasks that help increase the productivity of our legal centre.

Please use this Application Form to submit your interest and return the form to: legal@comm-unityplus.org.au Neighbourhood House Activities Neighbourhood House is in need of some friendly and efficient adult volunteers to help assist us with our programs. With your help and support, we can run our activities with ease and give our community more opportunities.

Student Placements - Social Work The Children’s Contact Service Centre, allows social work students to have their University placements at our centres. During the placements, students will be given the opportunity to enhance their administration skills and learn about how our contact centre conducts changeovers and supervised visits. Students will also have the chance to work with families with diverse, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds who require varying levels of support.

If you are interested in volunteering, please submit your details using the form below. For further queries, contact the People and Culture team at jobs@comm-unityplus.org.au.

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EASTERN COMMUNITY LEGAL CENTRE

Address: B/6 Floriston Road, Boronia VIC 3155 Phone: 1300 325 200 Website: https://eclc.org.au/get involved/employment/ Eastern Community Legal Centre (ECLC) is a multidisciplinary legal service that works to prevent problems, progress fair outcomes and support the wellbeing and resilience of communities and community members in Melbourne’s East. ECLC has three offices located in Box Hill, Boronia and Healesville where we run volunteer day services, evening services and different specialist services.

Please register your interest in volunteering with ECLC through our website: where you will find many answers to your questions. Application periods are open throughout the year.

Most of our volunteering services are ongoing throughout the year and are on a rolling basis. Our evening service volunteer program runs from February to June and July to December, where volunteers are rostered on a fortnightly basis. Our day service volunteer program runs continually throughout the year with volunteers rotating and rostered on a varied basis – dependant on program/project needs.

ECLC is fortunate to receive considerable interest in volunteering and vacancies for law degree applicants vary throughout the year. We advertise on the ECLC website for specialist volunteer positions, but applicants are contacted when a vacancy becomes available from our website waitlist where applications are retained for up to six months.

ECLC provides a range of legal and support services. ECLC provides legal advice in many areas of law. ECLC requires a minimum commitment of six months to any volunteer position in the hope of building an ongoing and mutually beneficial relationship with all volunteers.

ECLC prioritises volunteers who live within our catchment area in the following local government areas: Whitehorse, Boroondara, Manningham, Maroondah, Knox and Yarra Ranges.

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EASTERN COMMUNITY LEGAL CENTRE

Evening Service is solely run by volunteers and runs for 2-3 hours in the evening during the week and usually operates from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. Day service volunteering is at one of ECLC’s offices or at the Ringwood Magistrates Court where ECLC operates a duty lawyer service on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 9:00am to 4:00pm.

ECLC offers Qualified Lawyers and law students the opportunity to volunteer in a variety of our programs. As we are a community focused centre, we seek values oriented volunteers with a passion for social justice and helping others. Students who have legal experience through placement or volunteering in similar workplaces is highly favourable but prior experience is not essential. ECLC seeks students who have experienced some volunteering or community involvement or someone who can demonstrate a commitment to social justice. ECLC also values candidates who have shown a consistent work history within customer service, retail or hospitality roles. It is very important to ECLC that our volunteers have the ability to interact well with community members and to be able to demonstrate appropriate professional conduct which is often achieved through working in a range of non-legal roles. Students with regular availability, and who show consistency and reliability are also very highly sought after.

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FITZROY LEGAL SERVICE

Address: 201 Napier Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065 or Rear/279 Spring Street, Reservoir VIC 3073 Phone: (03) 9419 3744 Email: zsheriffdeen@fls.org.au (for all volunteer related enquiries) Website: https://fls.org.au/ Application periods throughout the year (e.g. on a rolling basis, advertised on website, opening in Jan/June, etc.) FLS recruits on a quarterly basis (Jan, March, June and September). We advertise our positions on our social media pages (LinkedIn, Instagram and our personal website). Positions may open ad hoc throughout the year, depending on the demands of our teams. Please do keep an eye out, beyond the main recruitment windows if you’re keen on volunteering with the organisation.

We are looking to grow our volunteer base over the next few months to fill positions for administrative assistants and paralegals. We have just completed a recent round of recruitment and may seek additional volunteers in the upcoming period.

FLS prides itself in providing a wholistic legal service that sergives the community. The organisaion specialises in Family, Criminal, Civil, Employment, Migration, Tenancy and Animal law. We have specialist lawyers who work within the organisaiontion to target these areas, and volunteer lawyers who offer their time and expertise.

There is a minimum requirement for volunteers to work once a week, with the hours agreed upon by the supervisor and volunteer (often 4-8 hours per week).

Individuals currently undertaking/completed a law degree, who have a passion for servicing the community in the social justice sector. Previous voluntary experience is highly regarded, but above all, a keen heart that takes pride in learning and helping others.

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HUME RIVERINA COMMUNITY LEGAL SERVICE

Address: Level 1, 9 Stanley Street, Wodonga VIC 3690 Phone: 1800 918 377 Email: cls@umfc.com.au Website: www.hrcls.org.au We are a not-for-profit community legal centre, established in 1999 as a service of UMFC. We help people who are experiencing disadvantage who would not otherwise be able to access legal assistance. Our team of highly qualified lawyers provide free legal advice to people living in North East Victoria and the Southern Riverina of NSW. Hume Riverina Community Legal Service welcomes applications for work experience positions from people looking to gain experience in a community legal centre. This work experience is unpaid and voluntary.

To be eligible to apply you must be: A law student in your fourth or fifth year of study; or A law graduate undertaking professional legal training.

We require that candidates be: Willing to undertake a minimum of 20 days placement; Available for a minimum of three days per week from 9am – 5pm; Available to attend our office in person; and Willing to assist our lawyers in family law/family violence and generalist law matters.

Work experience at Hume Riverina Community Legal Service provides an opportunity to learn more about improving access to justice in our region while gaining practical legal skills under the guidance and supervision of experienced legal practitioners.

Applications are invited throughout the calendar year with candidates selected following 31 May 2024, 26 July 2024, 27 September 2024 and 29 November 2024.

To apply for a work experience position please forward a cover letter addressing the criteria listed above and including dates of your availability, together with a copy of your CV and university transcript to, cls@umfc.com.au 44

NORTHERN COMMUNITY LEGAL CENTRE

Address: 3/1100 Pascoe Vale Road, Broadmeadows VIC 3047 Phone: (03) 9310 4376 Email: admin@northernclc.org.au Website: https://www.northernclc.org.au/ Northern Community Legal Centre (NCLC) operates in one of the fastest growing and disadvantaged areas of Melbourne, and has a significant catchment including the Hume City Council, Merri-bek City Council and Mitchell Shire Council. NCLC operates from a central office located in Broadmeadows with outreach services to areas such as Wallan, Sunbury, Coburg and Craigieburn.

Our purpose is to ensure equal access to justice for all in Melbourne’s North West and we do this by the provision of legal services, community legal education and law reform to meet the needs of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people in Melbourne’s North West.

To inquire about volunteering or placements with Northern Community Legal Centre, please email admin@northernclc.org.au.

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PENINSULA COMMUNITY LEGAL CENTRE

Address: 441 Nepean Highway, Frankston VIC 3199 Phone: (03) 9783 3600 Email: pclc@pclc.org.au Website: www.pclc.org.au We provide legal advice to people who live, work or study in the municipalities of Frankston, Casey, Cardinia, Glen Eira, Kingston and Mornington Peninsula on issues including family law, family violence, fines, tenancy and rooming house advocacy.

Currently our organisation is working on Work Development Permit (WDP) Scheme, Rooming House Project, StreetLaw, Migration Law Clinic, Strengthening Legal Pathways for CALD women, Family Law to Family Violence Continuity of Service Delivery & ‘This is not who I want to be’ Youth Theatre Project.

Applicants must be willing to commit to a minimum of six months. Our application periods occur on a rolling basis with a current/projected capacity of 120 volunteers.

Please note that, due to a high volume of volunteer applications and low number of vacancies, we are not currently accepting volunteer applications from people outside of our general catchment area (municipalities of Glen Eira, Kingston, Frankston, Mornington Peninsula, Casey and Cardinia). The expected waiting time for new applicants is around 6 months. Unfortunately we cannot guarantee that all applicants will be offered a volunteer position.

To register your interest in volunteering please complete and return the application form through our website.

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WEST HEIDELBERG COMMUNITY LEGAL SERVICE

Address: 21 Alamein Rd, Heidelberg West VIC 3081 Phone: 9450 2041 or 9450 2667 to speak with a member of our human resources team Email: humanresources@bchs.org.au.

Website: https://bchs.org.au/services/whclegal/ Established in 1975, we are part of one of Australia’s longest running health justice partnerships.

Volunteering is a great way to support the local community and share your skills.

Our dedicated volunteers have helped shape Banyule Community Health for almost 50 years. We are a thriving community-led health, welfare and justice service it is today.

Our volunteers offer their time, knowledge, and lived experience to help build our community. With their support, we are able to offer client-focused services to people who are marginalised, disadvantaged and/or vulnerable.

‘I volunteered to be trained as a volunteer group leader because I wanted to connect with the community.’

‘Through volunteering I have made lifelong friendships’ ‘I am proud of how far l have come and I love to help others through my volunteer work.’

‘I enjoy volunteering in my local community. I feel like my contribution makes a difference to others and is time well spent’ Our volunteers help: Organise social groups and activities Provide administrative support to our staff teams Welcome clients to our social groups and support them in their activities Drive clients to appointments And much, much more!

Whether you want to build skills for work, give back to the community, meet new people or take on a challenge, we have a wide range of volunteer roles to apply for that help make a difference.

Whatever you want to do, we would love to hear from you. Check out our website to see current roles.

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NON CLC’s

Address: Preston Office: Suite 6, Level 1, 275 Gower Street, Preston, Victoria 3072 Phone: (03) 9471 9251 / (03) 9470 1899 Dandenong Office: Suite 1 & 4, 71 Robinson Street, Dandenong, Victoria 3175 Other Locations: Sydney Canberra Email for Applications: triage@bttlawyers.com Website: https://bttlawyers.com/

BTT Lawyers is a versatile legal firm dedicated to delivering comprehensive legal services across various domains. Our expertise includes all types of legal cases spanning from criminal, civil, family, defamation, migration law, and conveyancing. We are committed to providing professional legal advice and services tailored to the specific needs of our clients.

Guided by our core values—Believe, Trust, and Transparency—we prioritize these principles in all our endeavours.

At BTT Lawyers, we believe in building lasting relationships with our clients based on mutual respect and trust.

BTT Lawyers specializes in various areas of law, including but not limited to criminal Law, wage theft , tax Law , corporate Law , property law, family law, migration law and conveyancing.

Applications for volunteering are accepted throughout the year, with a range of opportunities advertised on our website. BTT Lawyers regularly reviews its capacity for volunteers and updates availability accordingly.

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NON CLC’s

Deakin Law Clinic provides quality legal assistance to the community while encouraging Deakin law students to develop practical legal skills through real clients and real matters.

We have two offices – one at our corporate centre in Melbourne’s CBD and another at our Geelong Waterfront Campus.

Educating tomorrow's lawyers Our clinic provides legal advice, assistance and information to people experiencing disadvantage accessing legal services. It also aims to educate the broader community in relation to their legal rights and justice issues. Excellence requires practice and experiential learning – learning by doing – and Deakin Law Clinic offers this opportunity when you’re in your final years of study.

How does the Deakin Law Clinic work?

Under the supervision of qualified, experienced legal practitioners, we offer opportunities for you to build legal skills that are grounded in your academic training. You’ll analyse complex legal problems and develop critical skills for a career in the law, including analytical, drafting, oral communication and problem-solving skills.

Who can apply to the program?

Deakin Law Clinic is a teaching law firm that provides legal placement if you are an advanced student at Deakin Law School. It's available if you are studying a Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor (JD) and are eligible to use a work-integrated learning unit towards your degree. Students can undertake the MLL420/MLJ739 WIL unit.

Please have a look at the prerequisites and fill in an expression of interest form.

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NON CLC’s

We are a group of young students & lawyers, we meet regularly online. Our program currently runs at the Metropolitan Remand Centre (Ravenhall), but we are looking to expand this to other prisons and correctional facilities!

All enquiries should go through MRC@pleaproject.org.au. Expressions of interest for volunteering roles are best sent through the form on our Volunteering page.

Application periods throughout the year are advertised on our website (e.g. on a rolling basis, opening in Jan/June, etc.). We recruit on a rolling basis and are always looking for volunteers.

We have just conducted a round of student (volunteer) recruitment, but are hoping to expand our leadership team and executive in the coming months. The organisation practices criminal law & procedure, as well as family Law. We expect our volunteers to commit to at least 2 sessions per month. This involves driving or catching PTV to the prison, and running a 1-2 hour class (depending on attendees) in the prison. Prerequisites (any experience, subject completion, etc.) - Ideally our volunteers have already studied Criminal Law & Evidence Law, and perhaps some Family Law. We also look for people with experience tutoring, babysitting, working with school-age kids - this is because it's important our volunteers can explain complex concepts in a way anyone could understand. The PLEA Project delivers legal education in prisons, youth justice centres and the community to assist Victorians in contact with the justice system to proactively handle their legal cases. Our aim is to provide knowledge and skills needed to gain control in an environment where many may feel powerless. We recognise the structural, psychological and cultural barriers that can prevent access to and participation in the justice system. We seek to overcome these barriers by empowerment through practical legal education. PLEA volunteers have to be empathetic, down-to-earth and open-minded students, with a very strong technical knowledge of, and conceptual understanding of the law in Victoria. We also expect our volunteers to stay updated on changes to the (criminal) law, recent cases and controversies, and have a real interest in the work we do.

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