The Volunteer Program

Monash-Oakleigh Legal Service (MOLS) will operate a new 'Advice Only' session on Wednesday night. It is staffed entirely by volunteers who are required to attend once fortnightly. Our practice areas are varied, and include family law, criminal law, motor vehicle accidents, debt, contract and employment matters, neighbourhood disputes and social security problems. The Night Service begins at 7.00pm until approximately 9.00pm, and all clients will be seen by prior appointment only.

The night session is comprised of:

• A supervisor, who must be a practising solicitor or barrister;
• The Volunteer Coordinator (Deputy Supervisor)
• 4 Volunteer Paralegals (law students in varying stages of their law degree)
• 1 Duty Student (reception/admin duties)

New student volunteer are placed on probation for a period of four sessions, during which they will receive ongoing training as needed. At the end of probation, an informal review will be conducted and Probationary Paralegals will be retained as Volunteer Paralegals at the discretion of the Volunteer Coordinator.

Paralegals will conduct client interviews, and provide advice to clients after consultation with the Supervisor. All Paralegals will be undertaking the role of Duty Student during their period at MOLS as rostered.

Our volunteers demonstrate:

• A passion and dedication to the law and legal issues within the community legal service context
• Analytical strength/problem solving abilities
• Outstanding interpersonal skills, and client-service
• Sensitivity to, and the ability to deal with, diverse cultures and backgrounds
• Ability to empower clients to take ownership and , as far as possible, resolve problems independently
• Knowledge of, and support for, the mission of MOLS.

*NB. Prior volunteering or relevant work experience is not essential

For further information, please contact Guillaume Bailin  via email

More Information for Practitioners