The Launceston Community Legal Centre is seeking help from private lawyers to volunteer their time to assist the vulnerable and disadvantaged by being part of our After-Hours Advice Clinic in 2024.
Launceston Community Legal Centre has, for many years, operated a free, after-hours, face to face legal advice clinic for those who cannot afford to see a private lawyer. Its success is dependent upon the good will of lawyers in private practice who volunteer their own time to provide legal advice to those clients in need. Since recommencing in April this year after a Covid-enforced hiatus, the service has assisted 44 people to understand and resolve their legal problems.
Research has shown that timely access to competent legal advice can reduce the number of legal disputes, and the costs to the parties involved.
CEO Stephen Karpeles says;
“Although the Legal Centre provides free advice to clients during business hours, we can’t assist everyone. Our resources are currently limited to two full time lawyers and a welfare rights advocate, and while they are doing a fantastic job, they are booked up until the start of January. We know that some people need urgent advice and can’t wait that long - some simply can’t afford to take time off to attend an appointment during our office hours. That’s where the volunteer lawyers can make such a difference.
“Currently we have six fantastic volunteers from private practice but if we could attract another six lawyers to volunteer their time next year, it would mean we could double the number of people we assist each week.”
“We know the demand is there and steadily increasing as the cost-of-living bites. We hear it every day in the anxious voices of people calling us for urgent legal assistance. We hate turning people away, so for any of those legal firms and private lawyers who are wanting to give back to the community, please contact our Centre and volunteer your time. We are only asking for 2 hours every 6 weeks.”
For inquiries, please contact
Stephen Karpeles, CEO
Launceston Community Legal Centre Inc - Funded through the Tasmanian Government Department of Justice
