Inner City Legal Centre (ICLC) Volunteer Program

Volunteer solicitors and barristers

ICLC is committed to the involvement of volunteer lawyers in the provision of legal services to the inner city. ICLC recognises the enormous contribution made by these volunteers who give generously of their time on regular rosters at the Centre.

The Centre also has arrangements with law firms and a number of private solicitors and barristers to take on matters on a pro bono basis where possible and where the Centre has insufficient resources to assist.

New volunteers are invited to attend an orientation session before being placed on the roster. All advice given by volunteer solicitors is covered by the Centre's Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII). The PII cover is part of the National Community Legal Centre Professional Insurance Scheme which requires that all advice be supervised by a Centre solicitor. Responsibility for the conduct of the Centre's casework lies with the ICLC Principal Solicitor.

Volunteer lawyers participate in the roster on a monthly basis on either a Tuesday or Wednesday evening. They provide initial advice and referral to clients. Clients are not means tested before they are given an initial appointment. However, we do consider a person's financial situation when assessing whether the Centre will provide ongoing casework assistance. Some lawyers chose to volunteer for the Gay & Lesbian Legal Advice Service.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer please contact the Centre directly on 02 9332 1966 and speak with the Volunteer Co-ordinator or the Principal Solicitor. Alternatively, you can download the Volunteer Solicitor Application form/s and send via post or fax to 02 9360 5941.

Volunteer law students

The Centre also utilises the services of volunteer law students. Undergraduate students attend the Centre on a weekly or fortnightly basis and are involved in a range of duties including administration, reception and research activities. For further information please speak with the Principal Solicitor or Co-ordinator on 02 9332 1966. Alternatively, you can download the Volunteer Student Application forms and send via post or fax to 02 9360 5941.

Practical Legal Training Placements

ICLC does accept applications from law graduates wishing to complete their Practical Legal Training. The Centre is able to offer a placement for two or three days per week. Students can download the Practical Legal Placement Application Form and return it to the Centre with a copy of their Curriculum Vitae (CV). The Principal Solicitor will contact all students and arrange for an informal interview prior to offering a placement.

Students on placement will have the opportunity to interact with clients, work on files and undertake research. It is also expected that students will share in administration and reception tasks and do their own word processing.

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