A new charity to improve access to legal advice, particularly for people with disability and those living in regional areas, has been launched by law firm, Mills Oakley.
Known as Everyday Justice, the initiative will provide free legal advice, via telephone, online and in person for the “missing middle” a term that describes the growing number of low to moderate income earners in Australia who are ineligible for means-tested Legal Aid services or unable to afford a private lawyer.
According to Amy Burton, managing lawyer for the firm’s pro bono operations, legal advice is available to anyone who has an issue that falls within the service’s practice areas. This includes anyone with a physical or intellectual disability. If someone needs some extra help with their legal issue, the service will assess whether the client falls within their ‘Eligibility Test’” (https://everydayjustice.com.au/eligibility-test/)
“The first step is phone advice and based on the first assessment we decide what help is needed,” she told F2L. “The second step may require limited assistance that involves drafting a letter or a basic court document to say a neighbour who plays loud music late at night, which could resolve the matter. The final step comes down to full legal representation and taking the matter to court, which is subject to an eligibility test which we can determine in many cases.”
Burton said there is clearly a need for a philanthropic service like Everyday Justice. “The phones have not stopped ringing with issues ranging from tenancy and power of attorney to police reports.”
The service provides advice on employment law, tenancy, credit and debt, financial abuse, fines and infringements, human rights, climate change law and public interest law. Other matters such as family and criminal law, immigration, property, Centrelink, the NDIS and workers compensation, are not available from the service.
Everyday Justice will continue to work closely with the many charities supported by Mills Oakley, who will refer clients to the service.
An online chat site will also be available and is being updated to make it more accessible for people with disability.
Mills Oakley CEO John Nerurker it has been a tough period for many people, and a particularly difficult time for those who cannot afford to pay for a lawyer to help them with issues like unpaid wages, mounting debts and possible eviction from rental accommodation.
“During the Covid lockdowns, Mills Oakley honed the skill of providing seamless client service remotely,” he said. An online chat site will also be available and is being updated to make it more accessible for people with disability.
For information and bookings: Phone 1800 161 196 or info@everydayjustice.com.au.