Volunteer Solicitors
What Do They Do
A volunteer solicitor's major responsibility is to provide legal advice and information to clients of Redfern Legal Centre in face-to-face and telephone interviews. The position's duties include:
- Staffing a telephone and face-to-face advice shift on a weekly or fortnightly basis.
- Interviewing and providing advice.
- Accurately recording advice given on advice forms.
- Advising clients of limitations dates when applicable.
- Accurately obtaining and recording statistical information from clients.
- Following PII requirements.
When can you volunteer?
Solicitors can volunteer on one of the Centre's evening client advice shifts Monday to Thursday from 6.30pm to 9pm.
What Level of Commitment is Required?
The Centre requires solicitors to volunteer on one evening client advice shift on a weekly or fortnightly basis.
What are the requirements?
Volunteer Solicitors need to have:-
1. A current NSW practicing certificate; and
2. 12 months post admission experience or a demonstrated capacity to provide legal services in a busy community legal practice.
Personal qualities needed by a volunteer solicitor include:
- A high level of communication skills.
- A high level of self-motivation.
- Whilst under supervision, an ability to provide accurate advice over the phone and in face to face interviews.
- An ability to work as part of a team.
- A capacity to be accountable to the Centre's policies and procedures.
- Sensitivity to different political / cultural / ethnic backgrounds and a respect for multiculturalism and diversity
Intake process
Applications are accepted all year round. Most applicants will be
placed within 2 weeks of receipt of their application.
Become a Volunteer Solicitor
Applicants will need to download, complete and sign:
- Application for volunteer solicitor position form
- Volunteer's assignment of rights and confidentiality deed
Completed forms can either be faxed or mailed to the Volunteer Coordinator.
Downloads:
Download both of the files in either MS Word or Adobe PDF form by clicking the appropriate links below.
| Application Form (.pdf) Confidentiality Deed (.pdf) |
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| Application Form (.doc) Confidentiality Deed (.doc) |
Training
Volunteer solicitors are encouraged to attend training workshops organised by the Centre and other community legal centres regarding a variety of practice areas and issues.
Training workshops are free of charge and can count towards continuing legal education requirements.