Consumer Credit Legal Service

CONSUMER CREDIT LEGAL SERVICE (WA) INC

Level 1, 231 Adelaide Terrace, Perth 6000

cclswa.org.au/

We provide free legal advice to WA consumers in the area of banking, finance and related consumer disputes.

Volunteering

Which areas of law will clerks be exposed to? We assist with issues that come under the National Credit Code and the Australian Consumer Law.

What kind of tasks do student volunteers undertake? Volunteers operate the telephone advice line. They take instructions, draft advice and deliver advice under the close supervision of the supervising solicitor. Volunteers also assist solicitors with case file work, in the delivery of community legal education, and in drafting law reform submissions.

What are the skills/benefits of taking a position at your CLC? You will get direct client contact by providing front line legal services. You will receive close supervision and ongoing training during your time at CCLSWA. Do you have opportunities for courtroom work/advocacy? We do not do court work. Instead, we run relevant cases through the Australian Financial Complaints Authority, a specialised ombudsman scheme. Do you offer any opportunity for graduates looking to do their Practical Legal Training? Yes.

Applications

How can students apply? On our website: cclswa.org.au

What does your recruitment/ interview process consist of? A zoom interview with a case study research task.

Roughly how many positions are available for students in 2022? We offer a high number of opportunities depending on capacity.

What attributes do you look for in an applicant? Our vision, mission and values are set out on our website. We want volunteers who have attributes consistent with our values, a desire to help the most vulnerable among us, the ability to multi-task, strong written and verbal communication skills, and strong legal research skills.

What advice do you have for students looking to apply? This is a great opportunity to directly interact with clients and learn how to draft advice. You will learn how to talk to clients, what questions to ask clients, and improve your client interview skills. You will have the opportunity to partake in different kinds of volunteer roles. Volunteering at CCLSWA is a great way to build the skills necessary for the legal workplace. During your time at CCLSWA you will learn where to look for the answers and how to best research. Knowing where to look (and what to look for) is just as important as knowing the answer.

Additional Information

Volunteers must commit to one day per week for a period of at least 6 months.