Lawyers have a community calling

THE Casey and Cardinia Legal Service is calling on lawyers wishing to contribute their skills, knowledge and expertise to the community.
The call comes after the Legal Profession Act 2004, which came into force last December, made it possible for lawyers who have retired or are on extended unpaid leave to volunteer their services.
The Act now addresses community legal centres as a defined type of law practice and provides new arrangements for the centres’ employees and volunteers.
Night service volunteer coordinator at Casey Cardinia Community Legal Centre Heather Richardson said this was a great new development for community legal centres.
“It encourages lawyers who have retired are on leave or employed as government employees to volunteer in their local communities.
“Casey Cardinia Community Legal Centre is calling for new legal volunteers to staff its night service and encourage all lawyers, retired or practising, to apply. The centre operates the night service every Thursday evening with volunteers rostered on monthly.
“It is a fantastic opportunity to support the vital role that volunteers have in the operation of our community legal centres.
“We value the knowledge and experience of retired lawyers. We are hoping they will have some good anecdotes to share with us. Lawyers on extended leave, such as maternity leave, might like the opportunity to keep up their skills, too,” she said.
Lawyers who do not have a current practising certificate because they had retired, were on extended leave such as maternity leave or did not need one in their current role, for example judge’s associates, can apply for a volunteer practising certificate free.
For more information and to register as a volunteer contact Casey Cardinia Community Legal Centre, phone 9793 1993 or fax 9794 9521.