In June 2021, CLCP re-launched our volunteer solicitor program. Our returning solicitors have been delivering advice in a new remote format from the comfort of their home or office. We would like to thank those who have already joined the newly formatted program and assisted in ironing out teething issues – with their help, we are better able to service the community of Western Sydney.
We are now putting the call out to all solicitors to volunteer with us. With Western Sydney continuing to experience strict lockdown conditions, changes to payments and restrictions, and the general ongoing uncertainty that lockdown brings, the community needs help now more than ever. Since the beginning of lockdown, we are seeing more and more employment law matters coming through our (virtual) door.
We are currently taking applications from solicitors who practice in civil law and minor crime, however will prioritise solicitors who can advise on topics of employment law, including:
- Unpaid entitlements
- Unfair dismissal
- Redundancy
- Leave entitlements
Your help volunteering can ease the demand on our day-time services, and provide an alternative for people who are not available for advice during the day.
When does it run?
Our volunteer advice sessions run each Thursday evening from 5:00pm – 7:00pm.
We ask that solicitors commit to providing advice on a weekly, fortnightly, or monthly basis. Our service depends on the reliability of our volunteers, and we are unable to accommodate volunteers who cannot regularly attend.
What is involved?
Before each shift, solicitors will be sent the client details to perform a conflict check. Once confirmed, the client’s intake notes will be sent at least 24 hours before the advice session. We provide solicitors with a timeframe to call clients in, and ensure clients are ready to receive their advice call in a quiet place, free from distractions. Advice can be delivered from the comfort of your home or office, with a WSCLC staff member on-call to answer any questions and troubleshoot issues.
After the advice session, we ask that solicitors return the advice notes and any links to be sent to the client within 24 hours.
What are the requirements?
We are looking for solicitors who have:
- A current NSW Practising Certificate
- 12 months post-admission experience
- High level written and oral communication skills
- An understanding of the social justice issues faced by people in Western Sydney, including economic, social and cultural disadvantage and lack of access to legal services
- Ability to commit to Thursday evenings at least once per month
If you are interested in volunteering, please send your CV, practicing certificate and a short statement addressing the requirements to [email protected] .
