What do they do?

Volunteer legal assistants provide legal support to the caseworkers at the Centre in the following ways:

1. Legal Information & Referrals

Volunteers are responsible for staffing the front office and responding to the requests of the public, other workers and clients. As volunteers you will be a source of information and referrals to people who come into contact with the Centre either over the telephone or face-to-face.

Volunteers will be required to ascertain the nature of enquiries; make appointments for legal advice under the supervision of the duty person; provide information about available options; and make appropriate referrals.

2. Working on Casework Files

Volunteers are responsible for the major part of the work done on the Centre's casework files. This work involves drafting letters and documents, making enquiries of clients, other solicitors, courts, other government and community services and so on, as well as research.

Volunteers will gain knowledge and experience of what is kept in legal files and the type of assistance we give to people. 

3. Other Duties

Volunteers will also be required to assist with general administrative and reception work such as answering the telephones; delivering or collecting documents; faxing; photocopying; and updating loose leaf services.

Volunteers can expect to build up skills in casework file maintenance, public contact, assisting people in crisis, as well as increase their knowledge of referral services, and the practical application of and constraints of the law.