Western Suburbs Legal Service

Information for advice and advocacy volunteers

The Western Suburbs Legal Service holds two night services every week where clients may come and get legal information and advice if they have made an appointment. Appointments are also made during the day for follow up work and for those who for some reason cannot attend a night service.

Unpaid workers would be able to assist these people which will involve a familiarity with a wide range of legal issues.

The skills involved include:

• communication skills, advocacy and counselling skills
• knowledge of legal issues, procedures and practice
• general knowledge of community services
• problem-solving
• previous legal advocacy experience is desirable
• completion or part completion of law degree, legal studies or other such course might be useful
• in-depth knowledge and understanding of legal issues and related legislation
• social justice issues in practice
• knowledge of appeal mechanisms
• using bilingual skills effectively.

The aim of training unpaid workers in this area is to develop knowledge and skills on matters such as broad legal issues, appeals, knowing when and how to make referrals, and educating the general community on how to deal with legal systems effectively in times of crisis.

The following issues will be covered during training, and much of the specific law, policy and practice will only be learned "on the job".

•Advocacy
•Individual problem - social solution
•Our relationship to the legal system
•Confidentiality
•Giving legal advice
•Duty of care
•Checking advice
•Supervision & Support
•Networking
•Obtaining resources
•Finding legislation and policy
•Records
•Administrative procedures

Duties Statement -Unpaid Community Advocate
The Western Suburbs Legal Service is a generalist community legal centre which is community based and managed and which provides legal information/advice and support to individuals and organisations concerned with legal issues, policy and practice.

Purpose of the job:

• To assist people to achieve their rights and access to their entitlements as members of society
• To empower people to negotiate on their own behalf with the legal system if appropriate or else advocate or refer

Duties:

• Interviewing clients
• Providing clients with information
• Making referrals where appropriate
• Assisting clients to manage their own cases
• Gathering evidence and researching suitable sources to support cases
• Writing submissions and briefs on behalf of people to relevant tribunals and courts
• Negotiating with relevant people on behalf of clients
• Accompanying people to hearings
• Writing letters and keeping an accurate record of the person's case
• Keeping statistical records of cases
• Administration duties as requested
• Acting within the guidelines and policies of the Western Suburbs Legal Service

Skills:

• Ability to be a good listener and communicator
• Ability to make the time commitment required
• Willingness to accept advice and guidance
• Non-judgemental attitude
• Enjoy researching complex and legal material
• Good writing skills
• Ability to cope with paperwork and administration