By Gabi

Since becoming a barrister in 2007, I have done voluntary pro bono legal work for members of the public who are marginalised, disadvantaged or otherwise cannot afford legal representation. This means that I provide my services as a barrister for free. I do this in respect of cases that are considered to be in the public interest. Some of the pro bono work that I do is confidential in nature but, broadly speaking, those cases involve some degree of discrimination against the clients who I represent.

My volunteer pro bono work mostly comes to me from community legal centres and not-for-profit organisations such as the Homeless Persons’ Legal Clinic, the Human Rights Law Resource Centre, the Consumer Action Law Centre and the Victorian Bar Legal Assistance Scheme.

When I became a barrister, I decided that it was important that I volunteer some of my time to assisting those who would not otherwise be able to afford legal representation but who clearly had a need to be represented. Volunteering my time and my services is part of ‘giving back’ to the broader community, and I consider it my civic duty.<

It is also very rewarding for me because the volunteer work provides me with diversity and new skills. I always learn something new. More importantly, I feel it is helpful for me professionally and personally to stay connected with and understand the needs of different sections of the community.

This story's about: Skilled Volunteering, Social Justice and Welfare - Posted: 7 May 09

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