Gosnells Community Legal Centre

The Mental Health Law Centre

255 Hay Street, Subiaco East, WA Mhari Grant | hr@ruah.org.au | (08) 9328 8012

https://mhlcwa.org.au/

Legal issues surrounding Mental Health

WHAT IS THE FOCUS OF YOUR CLC?

Mental health.

VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITY

Which areas of law will clerks be exposed to?

Criminal Law, Administrative Law and Mental Health Law.

What kind of tasks are student volunteers expected to undertake?

Our volunteers run our Telephone Advice Line, take all new intake calls and handle administrative tasks. They provide sufficient referrals where our centre cannot assist and liaise with mental health teams to best assist our clients. Volunteers shadow our lawyers when they go to court, draft legal advice letters and contact clients to gather information for our lawyers.

Do you provide opportunity for courtroom/advocacy work?

Our volunteers can shadow our lawyers when attending the Magistrates Court but do not represent our clients.

What are the skills/benefits of taking a position at your CLC?

It is a fantastic opportunity to gain experience dealing with clients directly. Managing difficult clients will significantly increase your people management skills. You also have the opportunity to working on open files and learning new aspects of the law.

Do you offer any opportunity for graduates looking to do their Practical Legal Training?

Yes.

APPLICATION PROCESS

How can students apply?

Email to Mhari.grant@ruah. org.au.

Roughly how many positions are available for students in 2021?

20-30.

What attributes do you look for in an applicant?

Applicants need to possess accurate data entry skills and pay close attention to detail. Professional communication skills and emotional resilience are essential.

What does your recruitment/ interview process consist of?

We run a few intake sessions each year. Potential volunteers need to submit a completed application form, their current resume, transcript of results and a cover letter. If successful, they will attend the interview and then if successful they will attend the induction day and begin volunteering from there on.

What advice do you have for students looking to apply?

Please ensure you are aware of our practice areas before you apply.