Yolanda Tan’s Post

The prospect of social services getting involved in your family life can be overwhelming. Our latest blog post provides a clear and informative overview of this sensitive topic. This resource explores: - Common reasons for social services intervention - Your legal rights and options when social services are involved - How a family law specialist can advocate for you and your child Get informed and empowered: https://lnkd.in/ejQnxrGQ

We welcome the family law changes coming into effect today which will make the family law system simpler, safer and more accessible for separating families and their children. ‘The reforms work to prevent legal systems abuse and improve safety for children and victim-survivors of family violence,’ said Director Eila Pourasgheri from our Families team. However, Eila says that 'without more legal assistance funding, we may not see the outcomes that the new family law reforms hope to achieve'. Read more about the changes here https://lnkd.in/g5-39w3X

The first of our regular legal updates from Dexter Bonner ⬇️ #familylaw #law #familylawyer

In 2017, then-SCONC Justice Mark Martin was speaking at a conference of NC lawyers when he asked them to raise their hands if they were doing pro bono work. “I expected 90%; it was only 10%,” recalled Martin. “It wasn’t that lawyers didn’t want to help; it was a matter that they didn’t know how they could help.” Earlier this year, the North Carolina Pro Bono Resource Center introduced the “how.” It’s a groundbreaking app called Pro Bono Go. All the state’s leading civil legal aid and public interest organizations can place listings on the site. “It’s an online hub where attorneys can find pro bono needs specific to their practice area or interest,” reads its website. “[It’s] North Carolina civil justice community’s one-stop shop for pro bono opportunities.” “[Pro Bono Go] is exactly the direction we need to be going,” said Martin. “The impact is going to be exponential in terms of even being able to create a better platform for expedited connecting needs with available lawyers.” “It’s the first time that pro bono opportunities from all the legal aid providers and advocacy groups around the state all appear on one platform. To me, this is the key feature for volunteers because instead of being offered a single pro bono project in a sort of ‘take-it-or-leave-it’ approach, volunteers can see the whole range of different opportunities and choose one that really speaks to them,” said Richard Dietz. Read the rest of the article, Can Pro Bono Ease NC’s Access to Justice Crisis? 👇 https://lnkd.in/eM6M5g6U #legalaid #probono #accesstojustice

National Legal Aid welcomes the finalisation of the National Access to Justice Partnership, a 5 year Agreement outlining the Commonwealth funding commitment for legal assistance. We welcome the commitment to ongoing funding for our existing programs including Domestic Violence Units, Family Advocacy Support Services & Respect@Work Legal Services. We welcome increased funding to our legal assistance partners to address wage parity & service sustainability. We also welcome the focus on addressing gender-based violence & the additional funding provided to Women’s Legal Services & Family Violence Prevention Legal Services. As the largest provider of family law legal representation nationally with over 86% of our matters including a risk of gender-based violence & a high level of demand for these services it is disappointing that the funding will not enable us to expand family law service delivery or appropriately raise lawyer fees. The means test will also be unchanged & eligibility limited to 8% of Australian households. We will continue to work with the Commonwealth & State & Territory Governments to identify options to address service delivery gaps & look forward to working across the sector to collaborate on integrated service delivery to address gender-based violence. Click here to read our statement: https://lnkd.in/g7Dz3UGD

The peak body for Legal Aid Commissions has welcomed the finalisation of a five-year funding agreement.   National Legal Aid says the agreement outlined below will increase funding across the legal assistance sector. However, NLA is concerned the agreement will not increase access to legal aid for many Australians under the poverty line. NLA also warns that rural communities will be disadvantaged because legal aid fees are too low for many private sector lawyers, especially those in country areas.    #AusLaw  

Marrickville Legal Centre welcomes the announcement made by the National Cabinet last week regarding the $4.7 billion funding towards assisting those suffering through domestic violence. We thank Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for recognising Marrickville Legal Centre and listening to our concerns.    MLC advises and represents clients who are experiencing or escaping family violence – this includes family law, criminal law, AVO and civil matters. We have been experiencing unprecedented demand for assistance in the community but have been struggling to recruit a second family lawyer who can deliver services to vulnerable clients. This is due to static funding, unable to match private lawyer salaries and working conditions.   Like many in our sector, MLC is in dire need for additional funding to better resource our services. In the last 28 days, we have received over 2,100 attempts to contact our services for assistance via telephone. Due to the nature of DV enquiries, leaving a voicemail, online enquiry or email enquiry is not safe or appropriate. However, we don’t have the resources to properly manage live calls or attend to everybody the level of assistance they need.   14 percent of Australians live below the Henderson poverty line, but only 8 percent are eligible for a free service through legal aid. Community Legal Centres such as MLC attempt to meet the needs of those who fall between the gaps. The funding announced will enable MLC to better resource services to deliver our critical services and help bridge the justice gap. #JusticeForUsAll.

So National Legal Aid has no capacity to increase private practitioner rates.  This means less lawyers willing/able to take on family law matters both on behalf of a party or as the Independent Children's Lawyer.   Private lawyers are busy enough with private clients, they do not need to take on Legal Aid matters where vicarious trauma is often a very real threat to their wellbeing, particularly when the amount paid by Legal Aid is about 20% of their private rate. Lack of lawyer participation is going to severely impact access to justice for those who don't fall within the 8% who qualify for legal aid, and hamper the speed at which a lawyer is allocated for those who do. Noone wins here.  Priorities are completely out of whack.  I acknowledge that Federal Labor is doing a hell of a lot more than it's counterparts ever have, but this is not a positive outcome.   Maybe ditch the $363billion submarines? 

This week is Pro Bono Week here in the UK, dedicated to recognising the importance of pro bono work for providing access to justice, a belief that is fundamental to us here at Broudie Jackson Canter. We are incredibly proud that pro bono work is woven into the fabric of Broudie Jackson Canter, from elkan abrahamson's work with Anne Williams, to his fight on behalf of the Covid-19 Bereaved Families For Justice to secure a statutory Covid Inquiry. We are proud to have a group of lawyers that are so committed and passionate about providing access to justice that they are willing to give up their own time to attend legal clinics and help some of the most disadvantaged in our society with their legal issues. Pro Bono Week is a reminder that not only does everyone have a fundamental right to access to justice, but that pro bono is also not a substitute for a properly funded legal aid system. Unfortunately, with so much legal work increasingly falling out of the scope of legal aid, more and more people are forced to rely on the help of pro bono work instead of having a properly funded legal aid system that doesn’t leave people behind. In a civilised society, pro bono work shouldn’t be needed. It is a shame that we are in a situation where people are reliant on the goodwill of committed lawyers. The fight continues for a future where everybody, regardless of their position in society can access the legal help they need. #ProBonoWeek #ProBonoAwareness #LegalAid

🔹 Empowering Marginalized Communities: Discover the Services of Kabale Legal Aid Foundation 🔹 At Kabale Legal Aid Foundation, we are committed to delivering comprehensive legal support to marginalized individuals and communities. Our mission is to ensure that justice is accessible to everyone, regardless of their socio-economic status. Here’s how we make a difference: ⚖️ Legal Advice and Consultation: We provide expert guidance to help you understand your rights and options. ⚖️ Legal Representation: Our dedicated team represents clients in various legal matters to ensure their voices are heard and their rights are protected. ⚖️ Case Evaluation and Assessment: We carefully assess cases to determine the best course of action and provide tailored legal strategies. ⚖️ Mediation and Negotiation: We facilitate resolutions through effective mediation and negotiation, aiming for amicable and fair outcomes. ⚖️ Education Outreach: We offer educational programs to raise awareness about legal rights and responsibilities within the community. ⚖️ Referrals: When needed, we connect clients with other organizations and services that can further assist them. ⚖️ Policy Advocacy: We advocate for systemic changes to improve legal frameworks and protect marginalized groups. ⚖️ Pro Bono Services: Our team provides free legal services to those who cannot afford them, ensuring that everyone has access to justice. ⚖️ Client Support and Follow-Up: We offer ongoing support and follow-up to ensure that clients receive the assistance they need throughout their legal journey. ⚖️ Impact Litigation: We undertake strategic litigation to address and remedy systemic injustices and create lasting change. At Kabale Legal Aid Foundation, we are dedicated to making a tangible impact in the lives of those who need it most. If you or someone you know requires legal assistance, please reach out to us. Together, we can work towards a more equitable society. 🔗 [Contact us on 0784719243 Email:legalissues2020@gmail.com] #LegalAid #JusticeForAll #CommunitySupport #ProBono #LegalRepresentation #PolicyAdvocacy #KabaleLegalAid #Empowerment