Thinking about volunteering at BCLS? - Barwon Community Legal Service

Thinking about volunteering at BCLS?

The end of 2017 and the start of 2018 saw us welcome several new Deakin Interns (Jessica, Chelsea and Ian) and Practical Legal Training (PLT) students (Jon, Helen, Shane, Daniel and Victor) to BCLS.

Shane impressed us so much that he was offered a job at the end of his placement!

We have also been lucky enough to have Anna, Claire and Ronan volunteering on a regular basis and assisting with client appointments and casework.

The interns and PLTs find their placements challenging and rewarding.  Here are some comments from them:

 

PLT

‘Barwon Community Legal Service has welcomed me with open arms into their PLT program. The program has been thoughtfully created to challenge, support and empower students to manage their own caseload and provide them with the tools they need to successfully move into the workforce.

Throughout my placement I have developed a greater appreciation for the role community legal centres play in society. Not just through assisting clients with their legal issues, but also actively empowering the community through legal education and law reform.

In the short time I have been at BCLS I have been given the opportunity to use my discretion, discover my own style of legal practice and cut my teeth in the real world!

However, it’s the extraordinary support and genuine interest shown by each of the lawyers in the office that has really made my experience so enjoyable. Their patience is remarkable and I am very grateful for it.

Everyone’s passion for cake from the Cheese Cake Shop also makes everything all that more enjoyable too.’

 

Legal Intern

‘Having the opportunity to take on my own clients and manage their files was a great learning experience. I did not expect to have the opportunity to work so independently during this placement. All staff at the office were friendly, welcoming and always willing to help us learn during the experience. It was a great learning experience being able to deal with various areas of law during the drop in service. ‘

 

If you are interested in completing your PLT placement with BCLS please contact our office on (03) 5221 4744. We look forward to meeting you.

 

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