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International Volunteer Day is a chance for us to recognise and acknowledge the significant contributions of our volunteers, and the important role they play in our community legal service helping our clients with their legal problems. We are proud of the commitment and dedication all our volunteers display in their roles. The diverse skills, talents and knowledge each volunteer brings enhances our service, and their experience encourages them to thrive and grow as part of their legal journey.
In highlighting our volunteers, two of our recent volunteers share a little about themselves, what drives them to volunteer and how they view social justice and the impact it can create for people in our community who need our legal help the most.
Meet Div
My name is Divya and everyone in the office knows me as Div. I am a final year Juris Doctor student at the University of Melbourne and have grown up in Geelong. I have been volunteering at Barwon Community Legal Service since April 2024.
What inspires you to play a part in the work of a community legal service?
- It is inspiring to see how a community legal service can stand beside people when they feel overwhelmed or unheard. Being part of this support system even in a small way reminds me of the importance of the service in empowering the local community to understand and advocate for their rights.
What does social justice mean to you?
- Empowering the community towards a fair and equitable society that provides everyone with equal access to resources, opportunities and rights regardless of their background, identity or circumstances.
What do you enjoy about volunteering?
- Working alongside and learning from the wonderful team of solicitors and legal support staff at BCLS. I have enjoyed
- developing my confidence in my legal knowledge and communication skills. I have learned how valuable it is to communicate clearly, listen activity and contribute to a supportive team environment.
Tell us about the main tasks you do as part of your volunteering.
- Assisting with client intake and preparation of client files.
- Drafting legal documents (e.g., letters, case studies and affidavits).
- Conducting legal research to support solicitors in preparing client advice.
- Observing client appointments.
- Supporting the Duty Lawyers at Court with client intake and document preparation.
How are you able to apply your skills and strengths?
- In this role I can use my communication skills when interacting with clients, helping them feel heard and supported in their situations. I apply my strengths in collaboration and teamwork by working closely with solicitors, other volunteers and staff to support clients. I use my legal research, legal knowledge and writing skills to assist with drafting documents and research, ensuring the information is accurate, clear and useful.
Can you describe how you feel you make a real difference?
- As volunteer assistant to the Duty Lawyers at Geelong Magistrates’ Court, I often work with clients who are stressed and overwhelmed during the intake process. I help by explaining how the court process works in simple terms, making sure all the relevant information is collected, and documents are ready before the client speaks with the Duty Lawyer. This experience has made me feel that I have made a real difference by easing their anxiety about the Cout processes and helping clients feel better prepared before they speak with the Duty Lawyer.
What is your favourite legal show/movie/series?
- Suits.
Meet Oscar
My name is Oscar and I’ve volunteered at BCLS since April 2025*. Having recently completed my Bachelor’s Degree in Law and Criminology, I am taking some intentional time off between study and whatever may come next, as I focus on volunteering and my work as a sole-trader.
What inspires you to play a part in the work of a community legal service?
Volunteering at BCLS offers an ideal opportunity to develop my own skills and expertise, while providing a genuine service to the community I grew up in. Also, community legal service issues can certainly be considered ‘real’, in the sense they are relevant and prominent within the community.
What does social justice mean to you?
Ensuring power and opportunity are not concentrated in the hands of the few.
What do you enjoy about volunteering?
Having developed a strong passion for law and justice, the subject matter explored in my role certainly speaks to my interests. Discussing these subjects with our supportive and experienced lawyers is fascinating and invaluable.
Tell us about the main tasks you do as part of your volunteering.
My main tasks sit within two processes – client intake and solicitor support. Intake places us volunteers at the frontline of
BCLS, while solicitors’ tasks involve detail-oriented work across all matter types.
How are you able to apply your skills and strengths in the role?
Aside from the legal writing and research skills developed throughout my studies, I find my communication skills are very applicable to this role, particularly during client intake.
Can you describe a moment when you felt you made a real difference?
It may not have any legal effect, but providing compassion and support to our clients can be highly rewarding. Frequently, our clients are vulnerable people facing major challenges. A chinwag and some active listening can go a long way in these situations.
What is your favourite legal show/movie/series?
Too many to chose from! But it’s hard to go past The Wire.
Abridged versions of these volunteer profiles appeared in our Annual Report 2024-2025.
*Oscar concluded his volunteer stint with BCLS in November 2025.
