Volunteer with Darwin Community Legal Service

Volunteers Wanted!

Are you a legal student or an experienced lawyer passionate about making a difference in the community? Darwin Community Legal Service (DCLS) is currently seeking dedicated volunteers to join our team.

DCLS is a free, confidential service that supports members of the community to protect their legal rights. Through fair access to legal advice and support, we advocate to resolve issues of injustice and disadvantage.

DCLS provides legal information and advice in various areas of law, including:

·       Centrelink

·       Consumer Rights

·       Contracts

·       Credit & Debts

·       Discrimination

·       Employment Rights

·       Human Rights

·       NDIS

·       Tenancy

Positions Available:

Volunteer Legal Advisor

This role is for lawyers looking to give back to the community and share their knowledge and experiences. During the Volunteer Advice Sessions, the Volunteer Legal Advisor provides information, referral, and/or legal advice to clients under the supervision of the Supervising Lawyer. Requirements: Must hold a current NT practicing certificate & a current Working with Children Card. Must have relevant practising experience.

Volunteer Legal Assistant

This role is for aspiring lawyers (i.e., law students) and individuals with other experience in the legal field. Applicants must be confident using computers, willing to assist, and possess the ability to engage with a diverse range of clients. At the Volunteer Advice Sessions, the Volunteer Assistant conducts research, assists with printing or scanning documents during the advice session, and takes legal advice notes. Requirements: Current Working with Children Card.

 Benefits of volunteering

·       Volunteering with DCLS gives you the opportunity to:

·       Learn areas of law that you don’t see on a day-to-day basis.

·       Support members of the community to protect their legal rights.

·       Advocate to resolve issues of injustice & disadvantage.

·       Meet with a variety of clients & provide face to face advice.

·       Share your legal knowledge, skills & talents.

·       Mentor the next generation of lawyers.

·       Meet new people & expand your networks.

·       Gain legal practice experience.

Rostering:

Volunteers will receive an email every month to check their availability for the following month. Volunteers can contribute their time as much or as little as they like. The free legal advice sessions are held at three locations during the month and are as follows:

Darwin  
Every Tuesday
5.30pm - 7.30pm
DCLS Office Level 2, 75 Woods Street, Darwin City

Darwin
Every Thursday 5.30pm - 7.30pm
DCLS Office Level 2, 75 Woods Street, Darwin City

Casuarina
2nd Saturday of the month
10.00am - 11.45am
Casuarina Library 17 Bradshaw Terrace, Casuarina NT

Palmerston
4th Monday of the month
6.00pm - 7.30pm
Palmerston Library Goyder Square, Palmerston City

Training:

All new volunteers will be required to attend a training and induction session before being added to the roster. Volunteers will also receive invites to free educational sessions held by DCLS to enhance their skills.

How to get involved:

If you would like more information on volunteering or would like to volunteer, please contact the DCLS Volunteer Coordinator on 8982 1111 or email *****@dcls.org.au