We contribute to reducing inequality and promoting access to justice through our referrals and community legal education program. Through targeted matter referrals, we connect individuals and communities with legal support. We also provide education through fact sheets, seminars and community outreach, empowering people to understand the law and the legal system.
Matter Referrals
We work closely with community legal centres to help people experiencing legal problems. Our matter referrals offer critical legal assistance on issues like financial abuse, credit and debt issues, migration justice, and discrimination. This hands-on support helps individuals navigate complex legal systems that may otherwise be out of reach.
Early intervention for people experiencing financial legal problems
This year, our Melbourne office participated in a new pilot project with Justice Connect, providing early intervention to people experiencing financial legal problems. Many legal problems are preventable if individuals can easily access early advice. In the case of one individual, we were able to help waive approximately $18,000 worth of fines and avoid bankruptcy by providing a template letter for the individual to send to the relevant financial institutions explaining the complex circumstances they were experiencing.
Following the success of the pilot program, captured in this research report by Justice Connect, we are continuing with the program and expanding it to our other Australian offices.
Community Legal Education
Our fact sheets and legal education sessions equip people and not-for-profits with the tools to understand their rights and make informed decisions.
These resources serve as a first line of support, helping to prevent legal problems from escalating.
Factsheets for dealing with disputes and grievances in incorporated associations
All not-for-profit community organisations have to deal with conflict sometimes, but when conflict and disputes are preventing an organisation from achieving its goals, they need to know how to handle it effectively and legally. Our WK team assisted Justice Connect with incorporated associations member disputes factsheets across all states in Australia.
Wotton Kearney acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands on which we work, and pay our respects to Elders past and present.
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