VOLUNTEERING INTHELAW HANDBOOK 2024
DeakinLawStudents’Society
WITHSPECIALTHANKSTO
SwathikaKarthik DirectorofSocialJusticeandEquity
KeshaviPerera,DonAhasKannangara, BenSmithandNitishMathias OfficersofSocialJusticeandEquity
KatieWand SeniorCommunicationsAdviserat FederationofCommunityLegalCentres
CourtneyMcKenzie President
JordanCook DirectorofCommunications
LucyFrench Co-DirectorofSponsorship
LucyTerry DirectorofMarketing
LaveniaGoga OfficerofMarketing
DIRECTOR’SFOREWORD
Swathika Karthik Director of Social Justice and Equity
Itismypleasuretopresentyouwiththe2024DeakinLawStudents’Society’s VolunteeringintheLawHandbook!Thisguidefollowsfromtheinaugurallaunchin 2018withup-to-dateinformationasofthisyear.
Ihopethatthisguidewillopenyoureyestomanyofthepossiblewaystocontributeto societyusingyourlawdegree.AsIalwayssay,lawisatoolforchange.
Onamorepersonalnote,overthecourseofmydegreeIhavevolunteeredatCLCs,with eachonehavingtaughtmesomethingverydifferent.Itisanincrediblewayforstudents likeourselvestogainexposureinthelegalfieldwhilecontributingtothegreatergood. Itisalsosomethingyourfutureemployerswillbelookingfor!Thelawisdynamic,and thecurrentclimateofsocialjusticeanditsinfluenceonthelawisreflectedinthis handbook.
Wehavetheprivilegeofalegaleducation.Ibelievethisgivesusanedgeintermsof advocatingforgreaterimpact.Careersinsocialjustice,publicinterestandpolicyand reformareoftenoverlooked,butIhopeyoucanseetheimmenseopportunities availabletoyoutoengageinmeaningful,rewardingwork.
Iwouldliketothankmyofficers,Keshavi,Ben,DonandNitishforalltheireffortsthus faraswellasthecommunicationsportfoliofortheirassistanceinthispublication.
Bestoflucktoyouall,inwhicheverdirectionyoutake.Remember,thelawisatoolfor change.
SwathikaKarthik DirectorofSocialJusticeandEquity
Courtney McKenzie President
Welcometothe2024VolunteeringintheLawHandbook.
Whileourtimeatuniversityislargelyfocusedonacademicstudies,therearecountless otheropportunitiestoexplore.Volunteeringisoneoftheserewardingexperiences.
Volunteeringpresentsinvaluablebenefitsbeyondtheclassroom.Itisakeyavenuefor developingyourselfasalegalprofessional,enhancingpersonalgrowth,andsupporting thebroadercommunity.
Engaginginvolunteerworkallowsyoutoapplythetheoreticalknowledgegainedfrom yourcoursestoreal-worldscenarios,enhancingyourpracticalskillsandprovidinga broaderperspectiveofthelegalfield
Volunteeringissomethingthatanyonecanbeinvolvedin,regardlessofhowfaralong youareinyourdegree.Itdoesnotmatterifyouareafirst-yearstudentornearing graduation;therearealwaysopportunitiestocontributeandmakeadifference.
Thisguideisatrueone-stop-shopinlearninghowtogetinvolved.Thisguidenotonly delvesintothemanyorganisationsthatdependsignificantlyonvolunteersupportto servetheircommunitieseffectively,butalsooffersinsightsintotheexperiencesof fellowDeakinlawstudentswhohavedevotedtheirtimetoassisttheseremarkable organisations.
AspecialthankstoSwathikaandherentireSocialJusticeandEquityteamforallthe tremendousworktheyhaveputintocreatingthispublication.Theyhavedonean incrediblejobincreatingthisGuideandIamcertainthatyouwillfindittobeincredibly insightful.
CourtneyMcKenzie President
GADENS
GadensisaleadingAustralianlawfirmwithmorethan100partnersand880staffacrossoffices locatedinAdelaide,Brisbane,Melbourne,PerthandSydney.Weregularlyundertakehighly complextransactionallegalworkforawiderangeofclientsacrossmultipleindustrysectors.Our clientsincludemajorAustralianandmultinationalorganisations–weareadvisorstoasignificant numberoftheTop-200companieslistedontheASX–aswellasmanysmalltomedium-sized businesses,andhigh-net-worthfamiliesandindividuals.Ouraimistohelpourclientsachievetheir objectives–providinganoutstandingclientexperienceforeveryclient,everytime.Thisis underpinnedbyourintensefocusonunderstandingourclients,theirneedsandexpectationsand buildingmeaningful,long-termrelationships–anumberofwhichspandecades.Ourmissionisto helppeopleachievetheirpurposeinacomplexworld.Todoso,weaimtoleadbyexample,inspire others,innovateandbuildsomethingweareallproudof
AtGadens,wevaluedifferentvoices,freshideas,andindependentthinkers.Weprovidea collaborativeandwelcomingteamenvironmentwhereyoucanachievethebestinyourpersonal andprofessionaldevelopment Westrivetocreateaculturewheretheprinciplesofsustainability andcorporatesocialresponsibilityareembracedandlivedbyourpeopleeveryday.AtGadens,we dotherightthingandwemakeanimpact.
Weknowthatoursuccessasafirmandasindividualsisalignedwiththewellbeingofour communityandplanet.Lawyershavealwayshadaprofessionalobligationtoprovideprobono assistance,andwearebuildingonthisfoundationtocreatesocialandenvironmentalimpact acrosseverythingwedo.
SustainabilityandSocialImpactatGadensencompassesthefollowing: respectingandconnectingwithFirstNationspeople; actinginasustainablemannerandbeingtruetoourvalues; takingpositionsonmattersofsocialsignificance;and providingaccesstojusticetothoseinneed
Asalawfirm,Gadenshasaprivilegedandprofessionalstandingthatconfersaresponsibilityto contributetothebettermentofourcommunity Thisincludesourprofessionalandethical responsibilitytoenhanceaccesstothelegalsystem,assistingdisadvantagedandmarginalised peopleandembracingtheconceptofcorporatesocialresponsibility.
GadensisasignatorytotheAustralianProBonoCentre'sNationalProBonoTarget,which encourageslawyerstosubscribetoavoluntarytargetof35hoursofprobonoworkeachfinancial year.Gadensiscommittedtomeetingorexceedingthistargetasafirm.
ProBono
WehaveanextensiveProBonoprogramthatincludespartnershipswiththeAsylumSeeker ResourceCentre,MentalHealthLegalCentre,MooneeValleyLegalService,ArtsLaw,YouthLaw, FitzroyLegalService,ImmigrationRightsandAdviceCentreandmanyothers.
WeencourageeveryLawyerinthefirmtoparticipate,andourGraduatesarenoexception.Every yearwehavespecificProBonoprojectsthatareavailableforGraduatestoparticipatein.
GADENS
WearesignatoriestotheAustralianProBonoCentre’sNationalProBonoTarget,whichencourages Lawyerstoundertakeatleast35hoursofProBonoworkeachyear.
Reconciliation
GadenshasbeenalongstandingsupporteroftheongoingprocessofreconciliationwithFirst Nationspeople.Weconsiderthatreconciliationisimportanttoourfirm,ourclients,thecommunity withinwhichweworkandAustralia'sfuture.Werecognisethattheprocessofreconciliation involvesaconsideredgenuineunderstandingandrecognitionofAustralia'shistorycoupledwith contemporarycollaborationwithFirstNationspeople.
SocialImpactLeadership
WeatGadensarenotjustgoodlawyers,butpartofaresponsibleandethicalorganisationthatisin touchwiththecorporateresponsibilitygoalsthatthewiderbusinesscommunityaresettingfor themselves.
Inordertoachievethis,Gadenshascommittedtoundertakethefollowing: publiclyadoptingpositionsanddrivingsocialchangeandlawreformonmattersimportantto usandourpeople; activelyparticipatinginbodiespromotingasocialagendawebelievein.Forexample,Gadens hasrecentlyjoinedtheDiversityCouncilAustralia;and policy,advocacyandlawreformwork Forexamplewedirectedprobonoresourcestoresearch inrelationtotheestablishmentofaconstitutionallyenshrinedVoicetoParliamentandthe establishmentofaMakarrataCommissionviaareferendum.
Volunteering
Wehaveregularvolunteeringopportunitiesthroughouttheyear.Wehaveapartnershipwith RonaldMcDonaldHouseinbothMelbourneandSydney-ourstafflovevisitingthehousestocook forthefamiliesstayingthere WealsovolunteeratOzHarvestandStKildaMums
CommunityActivities
WemarkandcelebratedaysincludingInternationalWomen’sDay,NationalReconciliationWeek andNAIDOCWeek.Wealsohavevariousfun-runsandfundraisersthroughouttheyear.
Sustainability
Westrivetocreateaculturewheretheprinciplesofsustainabilityandsoundcorporate responsibilityareembracedandlivedbyourpeopleeveryday.Inoureffortstominimiseour impactontheenvironmentandtakeownershipofourenvironmentalfootprint,weare continuouslylookingforwaystomaximisetheefficientuseofenergy,waterandotherresources, andminimisepollutionandwaste.GadensisaClimateActivecertifiedCarbonNeutrallawfirm-we encourageourpeopletoengageininitiativesthatreduceourimpactontheenvironment.Gadens isamemberoftheCitySwitchprogramandCitySmart,highlightingourcommitmentto environmental,ethical,andsocio-economicsustainability.Further,manyofourclientscompriseof organisationsthatboaststrongenvironmental,ethical,andsocio-economicphilosophies.
PROBONOATGADENS
AfterworkingatGadensforseveralyearsasa LegalAssistant,IcommencedtheGraduate PrograminMarch2017 DuringmyGraduateyear, IrotatedthroughtheIntellectualPropertyand Technologyteam,aswellasRealEstateand Construction.Iundertookvariousmattersthat sawmegainabroadrangeofexperiencein intellectualproperty,technology,retailleasing, commercialleasing,andplanningand environmentmatters.AttheendofmyGraduate year,IsettledintheIntellectualPropertyand Technologyteam
DuringmyGraduateyear,Iundertookavarietyof ProBonolegaltasks,includingresearchprojects andvolunteeringatapublichousingtenancy clinicthatGadensstaffedinpartnershipwith MooneeValleyLegalService AsIhadakeen interestinSocialJusticeandProBonowork,I dedicatedalotofmytimetothis.Attheendof thatyear,Iwasmanagingtheoperationofthe publichousingtenancyclinicatMooneeValley LegalService
AsIprogressedmylegalcareer,myinvolvement withProBonolegalworkalsoincreased.Thisgave meexposuretocolleaguesindifferentpractice groupsonthesematters,aswellasbeing responsibleformanagingprojectsandfileswhilst Iwasstillajuniorlawyer,gainingvaluablehandsonexperience.WhilstintheIntellectualProperty andTechnologyteam,IwasbothaLawyer,then lateranAssociate,andourProBonoCoordinator
InApril2020,ImovedfromtheIntellectual PropertyandTechnologyTeamintoourBrands, ClientsandMarketsteamasaBusiness DevelopmentandProBonoCoordinator.This gavemeinvaluableexperienceinworkingwithall theFirm'spracticegroups,aswellasseveral clients–IcouldseehowtheFirmwasmarketing itselfandsecuringworkfromnewclients.
InMarch2021,therewasanopportunityformeto workfull-timewithinourProBonopractice(now SustainabilityandSocialImpact).Havingtaken thisopportunity,IamnowaSeniorAssociatein theSustainabilityandSocialImpactgroupand
Cassandra Krylov Senior Associate
havearangeofresponsibilities,including managingprobonopartnerships,workingonpro bonolegalfiles,beingactivelyinvolvedinour reconciliationandsustainabilityinitiativesand leadingourcorporatevolunteeringand fundraisingprogram.IworkalongsideourPartner andHeadofSustainabilityandSocialImpact, SophieMcNamara,andShabnumCassim,Special Counsel.
Oneofthegreatpartsofworkingwithinthe SustainabilityandSocialImpactteamisthatwe work verycloselywithourGraduatesandjunior lawyersonarangeofprobonoprojects,from legalclinicstoresearchprojectsandindividual probonomattersthatarereferredtousfromour probonopartnersatvariouscommunitylegal centresandotherorganisations.Ourpeopleare givenautonomyandcarriageofthesematters, dealdirectlywithclientsandplayavitalroleinthe continuedgrowthanddevelopmentofourPro Bonoprogram.
Gadensissupportiveofitspeopleandtheircareer ambitions–Iwassupportedinmakingthe changesthatfeltrightformeinmylegalcareer, whichhasledmetoarolethatIamincredibly passionateaboutandloveworkingin.Iwasalso supportedinmyparenthoodjourneyandtooka yearofparentalleavewhenIhadmydaughterin September2021
IwouldstronglyrecommendGadensforClerkship andGraduateroles.Weareincrediblyfocusedon mentoringanddevelopingourjuniorlawyersto encouragepeopletofollowtheirpassionsand interests Weknowthatonesizedoesnotfitall andwetakeprideinworkingwithourlawyersto helpfindthelegalcareerthatbestsuitsthem.
COMMUNITYLEGAL CENTRES
WHATISACLC?
WhatareCommunityLegalCentres?
CommunityLegalCentres(CLCs)arenot-for-profitorganisationsthatprovidelegalservicesto thelocalcommunity InVictoria,thereare50CLCs
TypesofCLCs
1. Generalserviceproviders;theseareCLCsthatpracticemanydifferentareasoflaw;and 2 Specialisedserviceproviders;theseareCLCsthatfocusonaparticularareaoflaw
Staff&Volunteers
CLCsgenerallyemployacombinationofpaidstaffandvolunteers,withvolunteering opportunitiesavailableforavarietyofrolesincludinglawyerandparalegalroles.
VolunteersarecrucialtothesuccessofCLCs,astheyallowCLCstoexpandtheircapacityto seeasmanyclientsaspossible.
VolunteeringforaCLCisanopportunityto:
Givebacktoyourlocalcommunityandhelpthoseinneed; Gainbroadlegalexperience,workingacrossawiderangeofissuesandareasoflawata generalistCLCs; Alternatively,youcangainamorefocusedexperienceofpractisingaspecialistareaof law,ifyouvolunteerataspecialistCLC; Developconfidencetodealwithclients;and Seefirst-handhowlawyersdeliveradviceaswellasdealwithanytrickyquestions posedbytheclient.
Howtogetinvolved
1. ContactyourlocalCLCandenquireaboutanypotentialvacancies;and 2 UtilisethelegalinternshipunitavailableatDeakinUniversity
FEDERATIONOFCLCSVIC
TheFederationisthepeakbodyforVictoria’s50CLCsandAboriginalLegalServices.Itsroleis tosupportCLCstocontinuouslyimprovetheimpactofcommunitylegalservices(fromlegal representationandadvice,throughtoinformationandcommunitylegaleducation),enable strongandeffectivecollectiveadvocacy,andleadthecommunitylegalsectorinacoordinated approachtocreatingajustandsafeVictoria.
TogetherwithCLCs,theFederationworkstocreateacommunitythatisfair,inclusiveand thriving:whereeverypersonbelongsandcanlearn,grow,heal,participateandbeheard.
CLCsareattheforefrontofhelpingthosefacingeconomic,culturalorsocialdisadvantageand whoselifecircumstancesareseverelyaffectedbytheirlegalproblem.CLCshelpthe communitynotonlybymeetingthelegalneedsofindividuals,butbyeducatingcommunities ontheirrightsandresponsibilities,andadvocatingforchangestolawsandpoliciestomake Victoriaafairerplaceforeveryone ThroughitsstrongworkingrelationshipswithCLCsin Victoria,theFederationisabletomobilizeadvocacy,improveservicedelivery,magnifyimpact, andultimately,makejusticemoreaccessible.
TheFederation:
Enablesastrongcollectivevoiceforjusticeandequality; MobilisesandleadsCLCsinstrategic,well-coordinatedadvocacyandcampaigns; Workswithmemberstocontinuouslyimprovetheimpactofcommunitylegalservices; Drivescreativityandexcellenceinthedeliveryoflegalservicestocommunities;and Helpsmakejusticemoreaccessible.
SPECIALIST COMMUNITYLEGAL CENTRES
AEDLEGALCENTRE
Address:Level9,45WilliamStreet,MelbourneVIC3000
Phone:(03)96394333
Email:aedlegal@aed.org.au
Website:wwwaedorgau
AEDisastatewideserviceforpeoplewithdisabilitywhoexperiencediscriminationinthe areasofeducationoremployment,orwhoseektoreviewdecisionsabouttheirNDISplans.
Thecentreprovidesinformation,education,advice,andlegalrepresentationtopeople withdisabilitywhoexperiencediscriminationintheareasofeducationoremploymentas wellasrepresentationtopeopleseekingreviewofdecisionsabouttheirNDISplans.
Ourmainobjectiveistodefendthehumanrightsofpeoplewithadisabilityineducationor employmentandgivethemaccesstothejusticesystemthroughacombinationof individual,legalandsystemicadvocacy.
Volunteeropportunitiesareavailableuponrequest.Thisisdependentupononworkspace availability.Weparticipateinaseveralinternshipprogramswithuniversitiesforlaw students.
Volunteersworkfrom9:30am-4:30pm.
ANIKALEGAL
Website:https://www.anikalegal.com/
AnikaLegalisanonlinecommunitylegalcentre-wedon'thaveaphysicaloffice,andwe usetech-enabledsolutionstoworkremotelyandflexiblywithourvolunteersandclients. Weareastatewideserviceprovidinglegalsupportforrenters,andadvocatingforafair housingsystem.
Ourvisionisaworldwhereallrentersthriveintheirhomes-andweworktowardsthis visionbyprovidingstrategicservicedeliverytorenters Atpresent,wespecialiseinrental repairsandbondrecovery.
Werelyonworkingwithalargenumberofvolunteersandinternsinordertoachievethe impactwewanttoachieve.Therearetwomainwaysforlawstudentstoworkwithus: Deakinlawstudentscanworkwithusasaninternthroughenrolmentintherespective unit.Weprioritiseapplicationsviathischannel.
Wealsorecruitforadditionalvolunteersfromtimetotime-dependingonwhetherwe haveadditionalcapacityafterourinternshipintakes.Generally,theseintakeswillopen twiceayeararoundDecember(fortheJanuarystart)andMay(fortheJulystart).
Welookforvolunteerswhoareself-starters,eagertolearn,andpassionateaboutlegal empowermentofothersinourcommunities.VolunteerparalegalsatAnikaLegalaretasked withrunningmattersdirectlyunderthesupervisionoflawyers.You'llhaveanopportunity todirectlyandmeaningfullyworkwiththeclientastheirfirstpointofcontact.Our volunteerprogramisflexibleandremote-whichcanbeparticularlysuitableforstudents whoarelookingforlegalexperienceoutsideofbusinesshours.
Vacancies,astheyarise,areadvertised.
ANIMALLAWINSTITUTE
Address:Suite34,139CardiganStreet,CarltonVIC3053
Email:info@aliorgau
Website:http://www.ali.org.au
TheAnimalLawInstituteisanationalnon-profitcommunitylegalcentrethatisdedicated toprotectinganimalsandadvocatingfortheirintereststhroughtheAustralianlegal system.WeprovidelegaladviceandrepresentationforVictorianresidentsonissues relatingtothepurchaseofanimalsfromabreederorsupplier
Wealsoprovideprobonolegaladviceandassistancetoindividualsandorganisationsthat promoteanimalprotectionandthepreventionofanimalcruelty.
Weareanentirelyvolunteerrunorganisationthatfocusesonstrategiclitigationinthe animalprotectionsphere.Wedonothaveanypaidopportunitiesavailable.
Ourteamiscommittedtoprotectinganimalsandempoweringtheiradvocatestochallenge howourlegalsystemtreatsanimals.
Thismeansthatwedependmoreheavilyonourvolunteersthansomeotherorganisations might.
Asapredominantlyvolunteer-runorganisation,mostofourteamworksfromhome,soyou willberequiredtoundertakeyourroleviaemailandtelephone.Weaskthatyouonlyapply foravacancyifyouareabletocommittoandbeavailableforaminimumof12months.
Pleasenote,wewillonlyconsiderapplicationsforpositionswearecurrentlyrecruitingfor.
Address:214-218NicholsonStreet,FootscrayVIC3011
Phone:(03)93266066
Email:volunteer@asrc.org.au
Website:wwwasrcorgau
TheASRCisahumanrightsorganisationprovidingsupportforpeopleseekingasylum As anindependent,community-ledorganisationtheASRCisinauniquepositiontoadvocate forthehumanrightsofpeopleseekingasylum,exemptfromthepressuresofgovernment ortheprivatesector.Forthisreason,theASRChasbeenabletotakealeadingpositionin theoppositionofAustralia’sasylumseekerpolicy,whileofferingalternativestoissues facedbypeopleseekingasylumandrefugees.
Today,wearethelargestindependenthumanrightsorganisationforrefugeesandpeople seekingasylum,deliveringmoreservicesonthegroundthananyotherindependent asylumseekerorganisationinthecountry.Ourworkonthefrontlinewithpeopleseeking asyluminformsourpracticeandenablesustoeffectivelyadvocatefor,andalongside peoplewithlivedexperience.
Weofferanumberofvolunteerpositionsforpeopleatvaryingstagesoftheirlegalcareers, withallpositionsworkingdirectlywithclientsontheirmigrationandprotectionvisa matters.Volunteerswithpriorlegalexperienceorotherrelatedadministrativeand customerserviceprofessionalexperienceareencouragedtoapply.Prospectivevolunteers shouldbeabletodemonstrateaninterestinRefugeeLawandacommitmenttoprotecting therightsofpeopleseekingasylum.
ChecktheASRCWebsiteforregularopeningsandapplyusingtheonlineform.ASRChasa partnershipwithDeakinUniversitywherestudentscancompletea15-weekinternship countedtowardstheirdegree.
Address:6/179QueenStreet,MelbourneVIC3000
Phone:(03)96705088
Email:volunteerapplications@consumeraction.org.au
Website:https://consumeractionorgau
ConsumerActionLawCentreisanaward-winningcampaign-focusedorganisationwitha visionforajustmarketplacewherepeoplehavepowerandbusinessplayfair.Asahigh impactadvocacyorganisation,theyinfluencechangeinpolicy,lawandindustrypractice acrossarangeofconsumerissues.Thecentre’sadvocacyisbaseduponitsdirectservices, providedbydedicatedandhighlyqualifiedteamsoflawyersandfinancialcounsellorswho advise,assist,andrepresentvulnerableanddisadvantagedconsumersacrossVictoria.The Centreisparticularlyfocusedonbuildingadiverseandinclusiveworkforcethatreflectsthe communitiesweserve.
ConsumerActionLawCentreiscommittedtobuildingadiverseworkforce.Westrongly encourageapplicationsfromFirstNationspeople,peoplewithdisability,peoplefrom diverseculturalandlinguisticbackgrounds,peopleofallages,andLGBTIQA+people.Ifwe canmakeanyadjustmentsormodificationstostandardrecruitmentprocessesthatwill supportandenableyourapplication,pleasecontactusattheemailabove.
Aswellasworkingwithconsumersdirectly,ConsumerActionStatewideprovideslegal assistanceonconsumeranddebtissues,financialcounsellingandpolicy,andworks towardsreformingthelawtoensureafairconsumermarket.
Wearecurrentlyatcapacitybutpleasecheckourwebsiteforupdates.
Address:Level2,247FlindersLane,MelbourneVIC3000
Phone:(03)96548644
Email:info@ddls.org.au
Website:http://ddlsaustraliaorg
TheDisabilityDiscriminationLegalServiceInc(DDLS)isastatewideindependent communitylegalcentrethatspecialisesindisabilitydiscriminationlegalmatters,and sexualharassmentofwomenwithdisabilitiesintheworkplace Weprovidefreelegal servicesinseveralareasincludinginformation,referral,advice,caseworkassistance, communitylegaleducation,andpolicyandlawreform.
DDLSofferslegaladviceandrepresentationtothosewhohaveexperiencedsexual harassment,discrimination,oradversetreatmentduetoadisability.Whetheryouarea womansubjectedtoworkplaceharassmentoranindividualwhobelievestheyhave developedadisabilityorillnessasaresultofdiscriminatorypractices,DDLSisavailableto offersupportandguidance.
AsofJanuary2023,theDDLScommencedafour-yearprojecttoexpandourservicesto assistinworkplaceissuesundertheFairWorkActaswellasstateandfederal discriminationlaws.Ifyouhavebeenterminatedfromyourjob,theDDLScanprovide urgentsupportandhelpyoumeetdeadlinesundertheFairWorkAct.
VolunteersprovideanimportantandvaluedcontributiontotheworkoftheService. VolunteersareinvolvedinmostoftheServicesactivities.
Completeavolunteerapplicationformlocatedonourwebsiteandemail admin@ddls.org.au.
DJIRRA
Address:292HoddleStreet,AbbotsfordVIC3067
Phone:1800105303
Email:provedi@djirra.org.au
Website:wwwfvplsorg
DjirraisastatewidespecialistAboriginalCommunityControlledOrganisation(ACCO) providingholistic,wrap-aroundfamilyviolenceservicesforAboriginalandTorresStrait Islanderpeople,predominantlywomenandtheirchildren
Djirraprovideslegaladvice,counselling,information,referralandsupporttoAboriginal victimsurvivorsorpeopleatimmediateriskoffamilyviolenceandsexualassaultaswellas toparents/carersofAboriginalchildren.
Sincestartingin2002wheretheywereestablishedastheAboriginalFamilyViolence Prevention&LegalService(FVPLSVictoria),theyhavegrown,expandedservices,and evolvedasanorganisation,andnowareDjirra.
Djirra’svolunteerprogramisprimarilyforpeoplewhohaveexperiencein,orwhoare studyinglaw,howeverfromtimetotimeweacceptapplicationsfrominterestedpartiesin arelevantdisciplinei.e.,communitydevelopment,policy,Aboriginalstudies.
Pleasenotevolunteeringopportunitiesaresubjecttoavailabilityandcapacityofthe relevantprogramarea.IfyouareinterestedinvolunteeringatDjirra,pleasecontactthe emailaboveformoreinformation.
Address:Level3,60LeicesterStreet,CarltonVIC3053
Phone:0383413100(metroandmobilecalls),1300336842(rural/regionallandlinecalls)
Email:admin@envirojustice.org.au
Website:www.envirojustice.org.au
We'reapublicinterestlegalorganisationforaradicallybetterworld. Weexistbecausethechallengesarevast,andthetimetoactisnow. Webelievethelawisapowerfultool,andwe'renotafraidtouseit. Wepartnerwithcommunitiesatthefrontlinestodeliverenvironmentaljustice. Wetransformindustries.
Wemakegovernmentsmoreresponsible.
Wecrystalliseriskforcompaniesandshareholders. Wemakecommunitiessaferandfairer.
WesupportFirstNationsfightingforCountryandCulture. Weprotectourclimate. Wekeepourforestsstanding.
Weruntwoprogramsforlawstudentsandrecentgraduates: Weeklyplacements;and Summer/Winterinternships.
WealsorunapaidFirstNationslegal,campaignorcommunicationsinternshipprogram.
Theseprogramsareasadvertisedonourwebsite.Duringsemesterswetypicallyhaveon board8–10placementsandovertheWinterandSummerprogramswetypicallyhave5-10 placements.
Welookforlawstudentswithaninterestinenvironmentalissuesandenvironmentallaw particularlythosewithknowledgeofcurrentenvironmentalmatterslocallyandatlarge (Usuallysecond-yearminimum,unlessyouhavestronglyrelevantundergraduatestudies). WhilevolunteersarebasedinourCarltonoffice,applicationsforremoteinternshipsfrom studentsoutsideMelbournewillbeconsideredforexceptionalcandidates.Wealsogive preferencetostudentswhohavestudiedadministrativelaw.
Address:42CarlisleStreet,StKildaVIC3182
Phone:(03)95373177
Email:info@firststep.org.au
Website:https://www.firststep.org.au/fsl about us
FirstStepisanindependentnot-for-profitorganisationthatprovidesasafeandnurturing workenvironmentforpeopleofallbackgrounds,genders,religions,sexualities,ethnicities oranyotherfactor.Peoplewithalivedexperienceofmentalillnessorsubstanceuseare encouragedtoapplyforanyrolesatFirstStep,notjustPeerroles,andareinvitedto addresstheirexperiencefromastrength-basedperspectiveintheirapplications.
Wepracticepredominantlyinrelationtocriminallawandfamilyviolence(bothvictimsand perpetrators),aswellasconductingcaseworkinfamilylaw,infringements,andvictimsof crime.
WearedifferenttoregularCLCsbecauseweareco-locatedwithmedicalclinicians,mental healthprofessionals,GPs,socialworkers,andpsychologists.Wehaveahealth-justice partnership.Wesometimeshavevolunteeropportunities.
Generally,wewillputanadvertiseand/orcontacttheuniversities.
Address:Level17,461BourkeStreet,MelbourneVIC3000
Phone:(03)86364450
Email:admin@hrlc.org.au
Website:www.hrlc.org.au
TheHumanRightsLawCentreusesstrategiclegalaction,policysolutionsandadvocacyto supportpeopleandcommunitiestoeliminateinequalityandinjusticeandbuildafairer, morecompassionateAustralia.
Ourvolunteercapacitiesarelimited.
Wedotakelawstudentvolunteersthroughestablishedprogramswithuniversitiesand organisations,andtheseprogramswillbeadvertisedthroughtherelevantorganisation. Unfortunately,wedonothavethecapacitytotakeonhighschoolworkexperience placements.
JOBWATCH
Address:Level10,21VictoriaStreet,MelbourneVIC3000
Phone:(03)96621933
Email:jobwatch@jobwatch.org.au
Website:www.jobwatch.org.au
JobWatchisanindependent,not-for-profitemploymentrightscommunitylegalcentre supportingworkersinVictoria,QueenslandandTasmaniawiththeirrightsatwork.Weare committedtoimprovingthelivesofworkers,particularlythemostvulnerableand disadvantaged.Establishedin1980,wearetheonlyserviceofourkindinVictoria, QueenslandandTasmania.
OurprimaryactivitiesincludeourTelephoneInformationService,ourlegalpractice,our lawreformworkandcommunitylegaleducation.Wesupportover16,000workersacross thecountryeveryyearwiththeirrightsatwork,soweareinauniquepositionto understandnewandemergingtrendsinemploymentlawanditsimpactoneveryday workers.
JobWatchhostsstudentscompletingprobonointernshipsandplacements Internships generallyinvolvespeakingtocallersontheJobWatchTelephoneInformationService aboutthesituationstheyareexperiencingatwork Internsgenerallycompletebetween1-2 daysperweektofulfilltheirrequirements.
Thecompletionofeitheremploymentlaworanti-discriminationlawisdesirablealthough notmandatoryasitisprimarilyaboutclient/customerserviceexperience.
Atthecommencementoftheplacement,studentsattendextensivetrainingabout employment,anti-discriminationandequalopportunitylaw.Studentsarealsotrainedin theuseoftheJobWatchdatabaseandassistJobWatchbytakingcallsontheJobWatch TelephoneInformationService.
JobWatchhosts10Deakininternseverytrimester.RefertotheWorkIntegratedLearning Coordinatorfordates.
JUSTICECONNECT
Address:Level17,461BourkeStreet,MelbourneVIC3000
Phone:(03)86364400
Email:admin@justiceconnect.org.au
Website:www.justiceconnect.org.au
JusticeConnectisanationwideserviceworkingtoincreaseaccesstolegalsupport,and progresssocialjusticeforthosewhostruggletonavigatethelaw
ByvolunteeringwithJusticeConnect,youcanmakeavitalcontributiontoourwork designinganddeliveringhighimpactinterventionstoincreaseaccesstolegalsupportand progresssocialjustice
It’salsoanopportunitytolearnmoreabouthowweprovidethathelp,workingcloselywith ourteamofwonderfulin-houseandprobonolawyers.
Ifyouvolunteerwithus,you’repartoftheteam,includingjoiningusatseminarsand trainingprograms,andweencourageyoutotakepartinfundraisingandsocialevents. Severalformervolunteershavestayedconnectedwithusafterwards,becomingprobono lawyersworkingwithus,orperformingpracticallegaltrainingwithus.
Thispositionwouldsuitanexperiencedadministrator/paralegal/legalsecretarywitha keeninterestinaccesstojusticeandhelpingthoseinthecommunitywhoare disadvantagedandmarginalised.Welookforindividualswithawillingnesstodevelopand applynewskillsandademonstratedinterestinandcommitmenttonot-for-profit organisationsandthecommunitysector.Ourvolunteerplacementsaretypicallyfor1-2 dayseachweekforaperiodof6monthsatminimum.
Ourapplicationsworkonarollingbasisaswehaveplacementsongoingthroughoutthe year,sopleasecompleteanexpressionofinterestatWorkwithus–CareersatJustice Connect.
Address:72-82ErrolStreet,NorthMelbourneVIC3051
Phone:(03)96294422
Email:mhlc@mhlc.org.au
Website:https://mhlc.org.au/
TheMentalHealthLegalCentre(MHLC),establishedin1987,providesfreeandconfidential legalservicesforVictoriansexperiencingmentalhealthissuesinthecommunity,in treatmentfacilities,andinprisonsthroughourmulti‑disciplinarylegalservice,education, researchandadvocacywork.
Gettinginvolvedalsooffersarealopportunitytoprovidehighquality,responsivelegal advicetomembersofourcommunitywhoareamongstthosemostlikelytoexperience humanrightsabuses.
Consumersofmentalhealthservicesoftenexperiencehumanrightsabuses:frombeing detainedandtreatedinvoluntarily,tobeingdeniedhumaneanddignifiedcare,thehighest standardofhealthcare,anadequatestandardoflivingandparticipationintheworkforce, tobeingdenieddecisionmakingcapacityinrelationtotheirfinancesorlifestyleissues. TheMentalHealthLegalCentreoccasionallyhasvolunteeringopportunitiesavailable.
Ifyouwouldliketoexpressyourinterest,pleasesendaCVtomhlc@mhlc.org.au.Ifwedo nothavevacancieswewillkeepitonfileforwhenopportunitiesbecomeavailable.
REFUGEELEGAL
Address:Level5/333ExhibitionStreet,MelbourneVIC3000
Phone:(03)94130101
Email:volunteering@refugeelegal.org.au
Website:https://refugeelegalorgau
WeareAustralia’slargestprovideroffreespecialistlegalassistancetopeopleseekingasylum, refugeesanddisadvantagedmigrants Weadvise,assist,educateandadvocate Ourfocusison theirneedforlegalpermissiontostayinsafetyinAustralia,andtoreunitewithfamily.Our distinctiveapproachcombineslegalassistancethatisbothdirectandstrategic.RefugeeLegal providessubstantiallegaladviceandcaseworkserviceforasylumseekers,refugeesand disadvantagedmigrantsinthecommunityandinimmigrationdetentioninVictoriaandacross Australia.Lastyearweassistedover12,300people.AllofRefugeeLegaladviceandcaseworkand strategiclitigationservicesarefree.RefugeeLegal’sResearchandAdministrativevolunteers(RA volunteers)comefromavarietyofdisciplinesandbackgrounds RAvolunteersprovideassistance toRefugeeLegalstaffandMigrationAgentvolunteers.
Welookfor:
Astronginterestinsocialjusticeandhumanrights,particularlyrefugeeandasylumseeker rights;
Solidresearchandanalyticalskills;
Anabilitytowriteclearlyandexpresscomplexideassuccinctly; Capacitytopaycloseattentiontodetailwhileworkinginafast-pacedenvironmentand jugglingmultipletasks;
Anabilitytofollowinstructionsandcompletetaskstodeadlines;
Abasicunderstandingofadministrationandadministrativeprocessesincludingword processing,organisationalskills,basiccomputerskills,agoodphonemannerandfamiliarity withdatacollection;
Asensitivitytoclientsfromavarietyofbackgroundsandawillingnesstocommunicateopenly withthemandwelcomethemtoRefugeeLegal;and Aflexibleattitudeandwillingnesstotakeonnewtaskswhenrequested.
RefugeeLegaloffersvolunteeropportunitiesfocusedonrefugeeandmigrationlaw,providinglegal supporttoindividualsseekingasylumornavigatingthemigrationsystem.Volunteerpositionsare currentlyclosedbutgenerallyopenonarollingbasisoraccordingtospecificapplicationperiods advertisedontheirwebsite,typicallybeginninginJanuaryandJune.Volunteersareexpectedto committoonedayaweekforayear.Thisroleoffersvaluableexperienceinrefugeeandmigration lawwhilecontributingtocriticalsupportforthoseinneed Pleaseseeourwebsiteforfurther applicationdetails.
SENIORSRIGHTSVICTORIA
Address:Level2,Suite2.5,424StKildaRoad,MelbourneVIC3004
Phone:1300368821
Email:info@seniorsrights.org.au
SeniorRightsVictoriaisastatewideservicethatispartoftheCounciloftheAgeing(COTA) andisdedicatedtoadvancingtherightsofolderpeopleandtheearlyinterventioninto,or preventionof,elderabuseinourcommunity.SeniorsRightsVictoriaprovidesinformation, support,advice,andeducationtohelppreventelderabuseandsafeguardtherights, dignityandindependenceofolderpeople.
OurservicesincludeaHelpline(1300368821),specialistlegalservicesandadvocacyfor individualsandeducation.SeniorsRightsVictoriaalsoprovidesleadershiponpoliceand lawreformandworkswithorganisationsandgroupstoraiseawarenessofelderabuse.
SeniorRightsVictoriadoesnothaveafixedrecruitmentscheduleforvolunteers,butyou maysubmitanexpressionofinterest.
Formoreinformationortoregisteryourinterest,pleaseemailvolunteering@cotavic.org.au orcalluson(03)96552100.
Ifyoudecidetovolunteer,wewillinterviewyouandmatchyouwitharolethatsuitsyour skills,interestsandavailability.Youwillneedtocompletesomepaperworkanddoapolice checkbeforecommencingasavolunteer Additionally,allvolunteersparticipateina comprehensiveorientationprogramandreceiveongoingtraining.
Address:POBox4226,FitzroyVIC3065
Phone:(03)94810355
Email:info@ssrv.org.au
Website:www.ssrv.org.au
SocialSecurityRightsVictoria(SSRV)isacommunitylegalcentrethatprovidesfreelegal servicesinrelationtoSocialSecurityandCentrelinkmatterstopeopleacrossVictoria.
WhenSSRVisrecruitingvolunteers,theadvertisementswillappearonourwebsite.
Address:273HighStreet,PrestonVIC3072
Phone:1800064865
Email:vals@vals.org.au
Website:www.vals.org.au
StatewideACCOprovidingservicesincriminal,civilandfamilylawforAboriginaland TorresStraitIslanderpeople.
VALS’legalservicesincludeFamily,Civil,andCriminallaw.OurWirrawayPoliceandPrison Accountabilitypracticeadvocatesfortherightsofpeopleinprisonorincustody.Wirraway alsoadvocatesforimprovedpolicingandcorrectionsaccountability.BalitNguluareour teamspecialisinginworkwithyoungpeople.
Since2021,VALShashostedover200volunteers.
FeedbackfromsomeofourVALSVolunteers:
“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 ”
Wearecurrentlyatcapacity.However,expressionsofinterestreopeninSeptember2024.
Address:POBox13311,LawCourtsVIC8010
Phone:(03)86220600
Email:admin@womenslegal.org.au
Website:www.womenslegal.org.au
Foroverfourdecades,Women’sLegalServiceVictoriahaschampionedwomen’srightsto livefreefromviolence.
Throughoutourhistory,countlesswomenhavevolunteeredtheirtimeandskillstoaddress thediscriminationwomenfaceinthelegalsystem,workingtoimprovelawsandaccessto justice.
Women'sLegalisnotacceptingvolunteerapplicationsatthemoment.
Weinviteyoutocheckourwebsiteforfutureopportunities.
VolunteershavebeensupportingWomen’sLegalServiceVictoriasince1981.Weare committedtosupportingvolunteerinvolvementtoextendandenhanceourservicesandto providemeaningfulworkforwomenwithinthelegalsectorandassociatedfields.
Women’sLegalhasexemption#A439fromprovisionoftheEqualOpportunityAct1995to employwomenonly.
YOUNGWORKERSCENTRE
Address:54VictoriaStreet,CarltonVIC3053
Phone:1800714754
Website:www.youngworkers.org.au
We'reaone-stop-shopforyoungworkersaged30andunderwhowanttolearnmoreabout theirrightsatworkorwhoneedassistanceinresolvingworkplaceissues.Ourteamof lawyers,organisers,educatorsandresearchersseektoempoweryoungpeopleworkingin Victoriawiththeknowledgeandskillsneededtoendworkplaceexploitationand insecurity.
Weproduceresourcesaimedatassistingyoungpeopletounderstandtheirrightsatwork, suchasfactsheets,aswellasrunningtrainingdaysandsocialeventsforyoungpeoplewho wanttogetmoreinvolvedinthefightforsafeandsecurejobs.TheCentrealsoprovides personalisedadviceforyoungpeoplewhohavecomeacrossissuesatworksuchasunfair dismissal,bullyingandharassment.
WewantVictoriatobeastatewhereyoungpeoplefeelsafeandrespectedatwork-it's onlybystandingtogetherthatwecanmakethathappen.
VolunteersareacrucialpartoftheYoungWorkerscommunity.Youcancompleteaformon ourwebsite.
YOUTHLAW
Address:147-155PelhamStreet,CarltonVIC3053
Phone:(03)91139500
Email:info@youthlaw.asn.au
Website:https://www.youngworkers.org.au/
YouthlawisVictoria’sstate-widefreecommunitylegalcentreforyoungpeopleunder25 yearsofage.
Weworktoaddressthelegalissuesfacingyoungpeoplethroughlegalservices,advocacy, lawreformandpreventativeeducationprograms,withinahumanrightsandsocialjustice framework.
WehaveadropinclinicatFrontyardandanumberofinnovativeoutreachservices includingaSkypelegalservicetoyoungpeopleinregionalandruralVictoria.Youthlawis currentlydedicatedtosocialjusticethroughinitiativesliketheFinesClinic,AVITHProgram, Out-of-HomeCareProject,andRaisetheAgecampaign,whichworktoaddressfinesissues, supportsurvivorsofviolence,improvecareforchildren,andadvocateforraisingtheageof criminalresponsibility.
Weareseekingapplicantswhoarecurrentlyenrolledinorhavecompletedatertiary degreeorpostgraduatecourse,withapreferenceforthosewhoareintheirsecondyearor later.Volunteersshouldbeavailabletocommittoaweeklyscheduleforatleast12months, withtheoptionofahalf-dayorfull-dayshift Wevaluestrongverbalandwritten communicationskills,theabilitytofollowdirectionsandtakeinitiative,andacommitment toregularattendance Applicantsshouldalsopossessdiscretion,theabilitytoworkwell bothwithinateamandindependently,andagenuinesensitivitytoworkingwithyoung peopleexperiencingdisadvantageandmarginalisation ApplicantmayrequireaWorking WithChildrenCheckdependingontherole.Ourvolunteeringhoursareflexible.
VolunteeropportunitiesfortheYouthlawrolesareadvertisedthroughouttheyearonour websiteandsocialmediaplatforms.Althoughtherearenocurrentopenings,weanticipate having5–10newvolunteerpositionsavailablebytheendofthisyear,withopportunities extendingintothenextyear.
GENERALIST COMMUNITYLEGAL CENTRES
ARCJUSTICE
Address:1HighStreet,BrandittVIC3630
Website:https://arcjusticeorgau/
ARCJustice(AdvocacyandRightsCentreLtd.)wasestablishedin2000.Wehavealong historyofcommunityengagement,partnerships,advocacyandcampaigning,beginningas atenancyrightsandadvocacyserviceinBendigoandgoingontoestablishtwocommunity legalcentresinBendigoandShepparton.
Ourprogramsnowprovidelegalandtenancysupportservicesacrosstenlocalgovernment areasincentralandnorthernVictoria,withateamof37staffworkingtoadvocateforand upholdtherightsofruralandregionalVictorians.
Volunteersarecriticaltoourworkincreasingaccesstojusticeandhousingforruraland regionalVictorians.Weprovideopportunitiesforlocallawyersandotherprofessional volunteerstocontributetheirskillsandexpertisetosupportthecommunity.
VolunteerSolicitor: “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.”
Youcancompleteanexpressionofinterestthroughourwebsite.
Address:5ChanceryLane,BallaratCentralVIC3350
Phone:1800466488
Email:reception@bgcls.org.au
Website:https://www.bgcls.org.au/
Ballarat&GrampiansCommunityLegalService(BGCLS)isaforpurposeorganisation providingfreelegaladvice,informationandcommunitylegaleducationtopeoplewholive, workorstudyintheCentralHighlandsandWimmeraregionsofVictoria.
BGCLSassistsnotonlywithindividuallegalmatters,butalsomorebroadlyincommunity development,communitylegaleducation,capacitybuildingandlawandpolicyreform projectsbasedontheneedsofourcommunity.
Weactivelyworkinpartnershipwhereverpossible,withgovernment,VictoriaLegalAidand otherpubliclyfundedlegalassistanceserviceproviders,probonocontributors,theprivate legalprofession,communityservicesagenciesandothercommunitypartnerstoensurethe bestoutcomesfortheirclientsandcommunity.
Volunteeropportunities
BGCLSprovidesavarietyofopportunitiesforuniversitystudentsinvariousareasofstudy includingLaw,SocialWorkandCriminalJustice.
Wenotethatourstudentplacementprogramsarecurrentlysuspended,howeverifyou wouldliketobeconsideredforstudentplacement,pleasecontactsendanemailto reception@bgclsorgau
Address:Level163ThomsonStreet,BelmontVIC3216
Phone:1300430599
Email:bcls@barwoncls.org.au
Website:https://wwwbarwoncommunitylegalorgau/
WeareanindependentCommunityLegalServicethatisfundedbytheStateandFederal Governmentstoprovidefreelegalinformation,advice,andcaseworktomembersofourlocal community.Akeypartofourworkiscommunityeducationandawarenessandcontributingtolaw reform,aswellasprovidingdirectlegalassistance.Establishedin1986astheGeelongCommunity LegalService,ourservicenowsupportsthelegalneedsoftheGreaterGeelong,BellarinePeninsula, SurfCoastandColacOtwaycommunities.
InpartnershipwithDeakinUniversity,weoperateastudentinternshipprogramforfinalyearlaw students Theinternshipprogramprovidestheopportunityforstudentstogainpractical experiencewithinalegalenvironmentunderthesupervisionofourprincipalandsupervising lawyers.Duringtheirplacementstudentsinteractfirsthandwithlawyersandclients,helpmanage filesandcompletecasework Theprogramisafantasticopportunityforfinalyearstudentsto preparefortheirfuturecareer,whetherthatbeintheprivateorcommunity-basedsectors.
WecanaccommodatethreetofourstudentsperintakeandgenerallyofferoneintakeinTrimester 1andanotherinTrimester2oftheacademicyear.FormoreinformationaboutourDeakinstudent internshipprogram,contactus.
WehavealsoanestablishedprogramforstudentswhowishtoundertaketheirPracticalLegal Training(PLT)thatallowsthemtogainvaluablelegalexperienceinavarietyofsupervisedroles. Duringplacement,PLTstudentswillreceiveonthejoblegaltrainingunderthesupervisionofour experiencedlawyers Thisexperiencewillincludeworkingdirectlywithourclientstotake instructions,assessingmattersforongoingassistance,legalresearch,draftingletters,memoranda andbriefs.
Studentswillbeexposedtoabroadrangeofclientsandmattersandwillalsoparticipateinour educationandcommunitydevelopmentprograms,andmayhavetheopportunitytocontributeto lawreform.ManyofourPLTstudentsremainattheserviceasavolunteeruntiltheyfindfull-time work WehavealsoappointedgraduatelawyersthroughourPLTprogram Formoreinformation aboutourPLTprogram,pleasecontactus.
Address:Suites2-4,30-32EEsplanade,StAlbansVIC3021
Phone:(03)85929077
Email:legal@comm-unityplus.org.au
Website:www.comm-unityplus.org.au
BrimbankMeltonCommunityLegalCentre(BMCLC)providesfreelegalservicesforpeople wholive,workorstudyintheBrimbank,MeltonandBacchusMarshcommunities.
CommunityLegal
TheBrimbankMeltonCommunityLegalCentre(BMCLC)offersvolunteeropportunities whereindividualsareabletolearnanddevelopadministrative-legalskills.These responsibilitiesincludetheprocessofclientintakes,composingdocumentationforour staffmembersregardingclientsandallotherpartiesandmanyotherfundamentaltasks thathelpincreasetheproductivityofourlegalcentre.
PleaseusethisApplicationFormtosubmityourinterestandreturntheformto: legal@comm-unityplus.org.au
NeighbourhoodHouseActivities
NeighbourhoodHouseisinneedofsomefriendlyandefficientadultvolunteerstohelp assistuswithourprograms.Withyourhelpandsupport,wecanrunouractivitieswithease andgiveourcommunitymoreopportunities.
StudentPlacements-SocialWork
TheChildren’sContactServiceCentre,allowssocialworkstudentstohavetheirUniversity placementsatourcentres.Duringtheplacements,studentswillbegiventheopportunity toenhancetheiradministrationskillsandlearnabouthowourcontactcentreconducts changeoversandsupervisedvisits.Studentswillalsohavethechancetoworkwithfamilies withdiverse,culturalandsocioeconomicbackgroundswhorequirevaryinglevelsof support.
Ifyouareinterestedinvolunteering,pleasesubmityourdetailsusingtheformbelow.For furtherqueries,contactthePeopleandCultureteamatjobs@comm-unityplus.org.au.
Address:B/6FloristonRoad,BoroniaVIC3155
Phone:1300325200
Website:https://eclc.org.au/getinvolved/employment/
EasternCommunityLegalCentre(ECLC)isamultidisciplinarylegalservicethatworksto preventproblems,progressfairoutcomesandsupportthewellbeingandresilienceof communitiesandcommunitymembersinMelbourne’sEast.ECLChasthreeofficeslocated inBoxHill,BoroniaandHealesvillewherewerunvolunteerdayservices,eveningservices anddifferentspecialistservices.
PleaseregisteryourinterestinvolunteeringwithECLCthroughourwebsite:whereyouwill findmanyanswerstoyourquestions.Applicationperiodsareopenthroughouttheyear. Mostofourvolunteeringservicesareongoingthroughouttheyearandareonarolling basis.OureveningservicevolunteerprogramrunsfromFebruarytoJuneandJulyto December,wherevolunteersarerosteredonafortnightlybasis.Ourdayservicevolunteer programrunscontinuallythroughouttheyearwithvolunteersrotatingandrosteredona variedbasis–dependantonprogram/projectneeds.
ECLCisfortunatetoreceiveconsiderableinterestinvolunteeringandvacanciesforlaw degreeapplicantsvarythroughouttheyear.WeadvertiseontheECLCwebsiteforspecialist volunteerpositions,butapplicantsarecontactedwhenavacancybecomesavailablefrom ourwebsitewaitlistwhereapplicationsareretainedforuptosixmonths.
ECLCprovidesarangeoflegalandsupportservices.ECLCprovideslegaladviceinmany areasoflaw ECLCrequiresaminimumcommitmentofsixmonthstoanyvolunteer positioninthehopeofbuildinganongoingandmutuallybeneficialrelationshipwithall volunteers
ECLCprioritisesvolunteerswholivewithinourcatchmentareainthefollowinglocal governmentareas:Whitehorse,Boroondara,Manningham,Maroondah,KnoxandYarra Ranges.
EveningServiceissolelyrunbyvolunteersandrunsfor2-3hoursintheeveningduringthe weekandusuallyoperatesfrom6:30pmto9:30pm Dayservicevolunteeringisatoneof ECLC’sofficesorattheRingwoodMagistratesCourtwhereECLCoperatesadutylawyer serviceonMondays,Tuesdays,Thursdays,andFridaysfrom9:00amto4:00pm.
ECLCoffersQualifiedLawyersandlawstudentstheopportunitytovolunteerina varietyofourprograms.Asweareacommunityfocusedcentre,weseekvaluesoriented volunteerswithapassionforsocialjusticeandhelpingothers.Studentswhohavelegal experiencethroughplacementorvolunteeringinsimilarworkplacesishighlyfavourable butpriorexperienceisnotessential.ECLCseeksstudentswhohaveexperiencedsome volunteeringorcommunityinvolvementorsomeonewhocandemonstrateacommitment tosocialjustice.ECLCalsovaluescandidateswhohaveshownaconsistentworkhistory withincustomerservice,retailorhospitalityroles.ItisveryimportanttoECLCthatour volunteershavetheabilitytointeractwellwithcommunitymembersandtobeableto demonstrateappropriateprofessionalconductwhichisoftenachievedthroughworkingin arangeofnon-legalroles.Studentswithregularavailability,andwhoshowconsistency andreliabilityarealsoveryhighlysoughtafter.
FITZROYLEGALSERVICE
Address:201NapierStreet,FitzroyVIC3065orRear/279SpringStreet,ReservoirVIC3073
Phone:(03)94193744
Email:zsheriffdeen@fls.org.au(forallvolunteerrelatedenquiries)
Website:https://fls.org.au/
Applicationperiodsthroughouttheyear(e.g.onarollingbasis,advertisedonwebsite, openinginJan/June,etc.)FLSrecruitsonaquarterlybasis(Jan,March,Juneand September).Weadvertiseourpositionsonoursocialmediapages(LinkedIn,Instagram andourpersonalwebsite).Positionsmayopenadhocthroughouttheyear,dependingon thedemandsofourteams.Pleasedokeepaneyeout,beyondthemainrecruitment windowsifyou’rekeenonvolunteeringwiththeorganisation.
Wearelookingtogrowourvolunteerbaseoverthenextfewmonthstofillpositionsfor administrativeassistantsandparalegals.Wehavejustcompletedarecentroundof recruitmentandmayseekadditionalvolunteersintheupcomingperiod.
FLSpridesitselfinprovidingawholisticlegalservicethatsergivesthecommunity.The organisaionspecialisesinFamily,Criminal,Civil,Employment,Migration,Tenancyand Animallaw.Wehavespecialistlawyerswhoworkwithintheorganisaiontiontotargetthese areas,andvolunteerlawyerswhooffertheirtimeandexpertise.
Thereisaminimumrequirementforvolunteerstoworkonceaweek,withthehoursagreed uponbythesupervisorandvolunteer(often4-8hoursperweek)
Individualscurrentlyundertaking/completedalawdegree,whohaveapassionfor servicingthecommunityinthesocialjusticesector.Previousvoluntaryexperienceishighly regarded,butaboveall,akeenheartthattakesprideinlearningandhelpingothers
Address:Level1,9StanleyStreet,WodongaVIC3690
Phone:1800918377
Email:cls@umfc.com.au
Website:www.hrcls.org.au
Weareanot-for-profitcommunitylegalcentre,establishedin1999asaserviceofUMFC. Wehelppeoplewhoareexperiencingdisadvantagewhowouldnototherwisebeableto accesslegalassistance.Ourteamofhighlyqualifiedlawyersprovidefreelegaladviceto peoplelivinginNorthEastVictoriaandtheSouthernRiverinaofNSW.
HumeRiverinaCommunityLegalServicewelcomesapplicationsforworkexperience positionsfrompeoplelookingtogainexperienceinacommunitylegalcentre.Thiswork experienceisunpaidandvoluntary.
Tobeeligibletoapplyyoumustbe:
Alawstudentinyourfourthorfifthyearofstudy;or Alawgraduateundertakingprofessionallegaltraining.
Werequirethatcandidatesbe:
Willingtoundertakeaminimumof20daysplacement; Availableforaminimumofthreedaysperweekfrom9am–5pm; Availabletoattendourofficeinperson;and Willingtoassistourlawyersinfamilylaw/familyviolenceandgeneralistlawmatters
WorkexperienceatHumeRiverinaCommunityLegalServiceprovidesanopportunityto learnmoreaboutimprovingaccesstojusticeinourregionwhilegainingpracticallegal skillsundertheguidanceandsupervisionofexperiencedlegalpractitioners
Applicationsareinvitedthroughoutthecalendaryearwithcandidatesselectedfollowing 31May2024,26July2024,27September2024and29November2024.
Toapplyforaworkexperiencepositionpleaseforwardacoverletteraddressingthecriteria listedaboveandincludingdatesofyouravailability,togetherwithacopyofyourCVand universitytranscriptto,cls@umfc.com.au
Address:3/1100PascoeValeRoad,BroadmeadowsVIC3047
Phone:(03)93104376
Email:admin@northernclc.org.au
Website:https://www.northernclc.org.au/
NorthernCommunityLegalCentre(NCLC)operatesinoneofthefastestgrowingand disadvantagedareasofMelbourne,andhasasignificantcatchmentincludingtheHume CityCouncil,Merri-bekCityCouncilandMitchellShireCouncil.NCLCoperatesfroma centralofficelocatedinBroadmeadowswithoutreachservicestoareassuchasWallan, Sunbury,CoburgandCraigieburn.
OurpurposeistoensureequalaccesstojusticeforallinMelbourne’sNorthWestandwe dothisbytheprovisionoflegalservices,communitylegaleducationandlawreformto meettheneedsofthemostvulnerableanddisadvantagedpeopleinMelbourne’sNorth West.
ToinquireaboutvolunteeringorplacementswithNorthernCommunityLegalCentre, pleaseemailadmin@northernclc.org.au.
Address:441NepeanHighway,FrankstonVIC3199
Phone:(03)97833600
Email:pclc@pclc.org.au
Website:www.pclc.org.au
Weprovidelegaladvicetopeoplewholive,workorstudyinthemunicipalitiesof Frankston,Casey,Cardinia,GlenEira,KingstonandMorningtonPeninsulaonissues includingfamilylaw,familyviolence,fines,tenancyandroominghouseadvocacy.
Currentlyourorganisationisworkingon WorkDevelopmentPermit(WDP)Scheme, RoomingHouseProject,StreetLaw,MigrationLawClinic,StrengtheningLegalPathwaysfor CALDwomen,FamilyLawtoFamilyViolenceContinuityofServiceDelivery&‘Thisisnot whoIwanttobe’YouthTheatreProject.
Applicantsmustbewillingtocommittoaminimumofsixmonths.Ourapplicationperiods occuronarollingbasiswithacurrent/projectedcapacityof120volunteers.
Pleasenotethat,duetoahighvolumeofvolunteerapplicationsandlownumberof vacancies,wearenotcurrentlyacceptingvolunteerapplicationsfrompeopleoutsideof ourgeneralcatchmentarea(municipalitiesofGlenEira,Kingston,Frankston,Mornington Peninsula,CaseyandCardinia).Theexpectedwaitingtimefornewapplicantsisaround6 months.Unfortunatelywecannotguaranteethatallapplicantswillbeofferedavolunteer position
Toregisteryourinterestinvolunteeringpleasecompleteandreturntheapplicationform throughourwebsite.
Address:21AlameinRd,HeidelbergWestVIC3081
Phone: 94502041or94502667tospeakwithamemberofourhumanresourcesteam
Email: humanresources@bchs.org.au.
Website:https://bchs.org.au/services/whclegal/
Establishedin1975,wearepartofoneofAustralia’slongestrunninghealthjustice partnerships.
Volunteeringisagreatwaytosupportthelocalcommunityandshareyourskills.
OurdedicatedvolunteershavehelpedshapeBanyuleCommunityHealthforalmost50 years.Weareathrivingcommunity-ledhealth,welfareandjusticeserviceitistoday.
Ourvolunteersoffertheirtime,knowledge,andlivedexperiencetohelpbuildour community.Withtheirsupport,weareabletoofferclient-focusedservicestopeoplewho aremarginalised,disadvantagedand/orvulnerable
‘IvolunteeredtobetrainedasavolunteergroupleaderbecauseIwantedtoconnectwith thecommunity.’
‘ThroughvolunteeringIhavemadelifelongfriendships’
‘IamproudofhowfarlhavecomeandIlovetohelpothersthroughmyvolunteerwork.’
‘Ienjoyvolunteeringinmylocalcommunity Ifeellikemycontributionmakesadifference toothersandistimewellspent’
Ourvolunteershelp:
Organisesocialgroupsandactivities
Provideadministrativesupporttoourstaffteams
Welcomeclientstooursocialgroupsandsupportthemintheiractivities
Driveclientstoappointments
Andmuch,muchmore!
Whetheryouwanttobuildskillsforwork,givebacktothecommunity,meetnewpeopleor takeonachallenge,wehaveawiderangeofvolunteerrolestoapplyforthathelpmakea difference.
Whateveryouwanttodo,wewouldlovetohearfromyou.Checkoutourwebsitetosee currentroles.
Address:PrestonOffice:Suite6,Level1,275GowerStreet,Preston,Victoria3072
Phone:(03)94719251/(03)94701899
DandenongOffice:Suite1&4,71RobinsonStreet,Dandenong,Victoria3175
OtherLocations:
Sydney Canberra
EmailforApplications:triage@bttlawyers.com
Website:https://bttlawyers.com/
BTTLawyersisaversatilelegalfirmdedicatedtodeliveringcomprehensivelegalservices acrossvariousdomains.Ourexpertiseincludesalltypesoflegalcasesspanningfrom criminal,civil,family,defamation,migrationlaw,andconveyancing.Wearecommittedto providingprofessionallegaladviceandservicestailoredtothespecificneedsofourclients Guidedbyourcorevalues Believe,Trust,andTransparency weprioritizetheseprinciples inallourendeavours
AtBTTLawyers,webelieveinbuildinglastingrelationshipswithourclientsbasedon mutualrespectandtrust.
BTTLawyersspecializesinvariousareasoflaw,includingbutnotlimitedtocriminalLaw, wagetheft,taxLaw,corporateLaw,propertylaw,familylaw,migrationlawand conveyancing.
Applicationsforvolunteeringareacceptedthroughouttheyear,witharangeof opportunitiesadvertisedonourwebsite.BTTLawyersregularlyreviewsitscapacityfor volunteersandupdatesavailabilityaccordingly.
DeakinLawClinicprovidesqualitylegalassistancetothecommunitywhileencouraging Deakinlawstudentstodeveloppracticallegalskillsthroughrealclientsandrealmatters. Wehavetwooffices–oneatourcorporatecentreinMelbourne’sCBDandanotheratour GeelongWaterfrontCampus.
Educatingtomorrow'slawyers
Ourclinicprovideslegaladvice,assistanceandinformationtopeopleexperiencing disadvantageaccessinglegalservices.Italsoaimstoeducatethebroadercommunityin relationtotheirlegalrightsandjusticeissues Excellencerequirespracticeandexperiential learning–learningbydoing–andDeakinLawClinicoffersthisopportunitywhenyou’rein yourfinalyearsofstudy
HowdoestheDeakinLawClinicwork?
Underthesupervisionofqualified,experiencedlegalpractitioners,weofferopportunities foryoutobuildlegalskillsthataregroundedinyouracademictraining.You’llanalyse complexlegalproblemsanddevelopcriticalskillsforacareerinthelaw,including analytical,drafting,oralcommunicationandproblem-solvingskills.
Whocanapplytotheprogram?
DeakinLawClinicisateachinglawfirmthatprovideslegalplacementifyouarean advancedstudentatDeakinLawSchool.It'savailableifyouarestudyingaBachelorof LawsorJurisDoctor(JD)andareeligibletouseawork-integratedlearningunittowards yourdegree.StudentscanundertaketheMLL420/MLJ739WILunit.
Pleasehavealookattheprerequisitesandfillinanexpressionofinterestform.
NONCLC’s
Weareagroupofyoungstudents&lawyers,wemeetregularlyonline Ourprogram currentlyrunsattheMetropolitanRemandCentre(Ravenhall),butwearelookingto expandthistootherprisonsandcorrectionalfacilities!
AllenquiriesshouldgothroughMRC@pleaproject.org.au.Expressionsofinterestfor volunteeringrolesarebestsentthroughtheformonourVolunteeringpage.
Applicationperiodsthroughouttheyear areadvertisedonourwebsite(e.g.onarolling basis,openinginJan/June,etc.).Werecruitonarollingbasisandarealwayslookingfor volunteers.
Wehavejustconductedaroundofstudent(volunteer)recruitment,butarehopingto expandourleadershipteamandexecutiveinthecomingmonths.Theorganisation practicescriminallaw&procedure,aswellasfamilyLaw.
Weexpectourvolunteerstocommittoatleast2sessionspermonth.Thisinvolvesdriving orcatchingPTVtotheprison,andrunninga1-2hourclass(dependingonattendees)inthe prison.Prerequisites(anyexperience,subjectcompletion,etc.)-Ideallyourvolunteers havealreadystudiedCriminalLaw&EvidenceLaw,andperhapssomeFamilyLaw.Wealso lookforpeoplewithexperiencetutoring,babysitting,workingwithschool-agekids-thisis becauseit'simportantourvolunteerscanexplaincomplexconceptsinawayanyonecould understand.ThePLEAProjectdeliverslegaleducationinprisons,youthjusticecentresand thecommunitytoassistVictoriansincontactwiththejusticesystemtoproactivelyhandle theirlegalcases Ouraimistoprovideknowledgeandskillsneededtogaincontrolinan environmentwheremanymayfeelpowerless.Werecognisethestructural,psychological andculturalbarriersthatcanpreventaccesstoandparticipationinthejusticesystem We seektoovercomethesebarriersbyempowermentthroughpracticallegaleducation.PLEA volunteershavetobeempathetic,down-to-earthandopen-mindedstudents,withavery strongtechnicalknowledgeof,andconceptualunderstandingofthelawinVictoria.We alsoexpectourvolunteerstostayupdatedonchangestothe(criminal)law,recentcases andcontroversies,andhavearealinterestintheworkwedo.
