ALSA

13/05/2011. For National Pro Bono Day (Monday 16 May), the Australian Law Students Association (ALSA) and the National Pro Bono Resource Centre (NPBRC) announced that they are teaming up with Young Lawyers’ committees around the country to produce a guide for law students and young lawyers on the social justice opportunities available to them during their career as a lawyer.

The initiative came from a survey of law students at the 2010 ALSA National Conference, who overwhelmingly indicated that they wanted more information on social justice careers, promotion of volunteering opportunities and materials or resources on pro bono.

“Law students have identified the need for this resource as a counterpoint to the ubiquitous and flash materials produced by the large and mid-size law firms available at law career fairs” said Matthew Floro, President of ALSA.

There are many ways that law students and young lawyers can get involved in achieving social justice outcomes right throughout their career and that will be the main message of this Guide”, said Floro.

John Corker, Director of the National Pro Bono Resource Centre said, “It’s great to see the current generation calling out for this information. We have observed a clear trend amongst law students across the country seeking out information and opportunities about how to get involved and make a difference in their communities. It’s heartening to see young lawyers with a social conscience!”

“Unfortunately there are still quite limited graduate positions available in community legal centres, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services and at legal aid commissions. This needs to improve,” Corker said.

“Law Schools are under increasing pressure from students to provide experiential learning opportunities in a social justice environment whether it be through clinical legal education, internships or student pro bono programs and the better law schools are responding”, said Corker.

The Guide will be launched during the national ALSA Clayton Utz Conference to be held at UNSW from 8-14 July 2011.

National Pro Bono Day is the first day of National Law Week. Lawyers and students will walk at 7am around key legal landmarks in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Townsville in the 4th annual Walk for Justice. The Walk is a fundraiser for the important work that pro bono clearing houses do in these cities. The focus this year is on raising money to cover disbursements associated with delivering pro bono legal services such as interpreters and filing fees, expert’s reports and travel and accommodation for regional and remote area work.