Our new Chief Counsel

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12 May 2021 – Volume 217

News

Picture of the participants in the Trial Counsel Development Program for 2021 smiling at the camera. Victoria Legal Aid CEO Louise Glanville is in the centre of the group.

Celebrating 10 years of the Trial Counsel Development Program

We were delighted to join colleagues from the Victorian Bar to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the Trial Counsel Development Program, which gives junior counsel access to meaningful trial work, advocacy and cross-examination training.

Read more about program and meet this year's participants.

We are pleased to announce that following a competitive recruitment process, Julia Munster has been appointed to the role of Chief Counsel at Victoria Legal Aid.

Read more about Julia's appointment.

Stock photo of two people walking away from the camera. One has rainbow braces over a white shirt and the other is wearing a transgender pride flag as a cape.

'You are constantly told you are wrong about who you are and what you feel'

As we approach the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, Biphobia and discrimination against people with an intersex condition (IDAHOBIT), our client Rowen shares their experience of how the Equality Law Program helped them advocate to have the correct gender marker used on official government records.

Federal budget provides additional support for legal assistance sector

The 2021–22 federal budget includes additional funding for the legal assistance sector, including dedicated funding for community legal centres and an expansion of Family Advocacy and Support Services.

People doing legal aid work

Photo of Nick Mead reading a book to his baby daughter Lucy. Nick is wearing a dark pink checked shirt and Lucy is smiling at the camera.

Supporting gender equality and flexible working arrangements

‘There are a lot of mistakes you can unwind in life, but you can’t turn back time and revisit missed experiences.’

Learn why our Data Services Reporting Manager, Nick Mead thoroughly endorses our generous parental leave provisions which support gender equality, encourage flexible working arrangements and let our staff know that employees with families are valued.

Panel practitioner updates

Expansion of Help Before Court service

Help Before Court offers an opportunity to improve the experience of clients and lawyers operating in the summary crime system.

Following the recent successful launch of Help Before Court summary crime services among panel practitioners across western and central Melbourne, we are seeking expressions of interest from panel practitioners across all of metropolitan Melbourne, including at courts in the north, east and south east.

COVID-19 justice sector update

The justice sector in Victoria is continuing to follow the State Government’s public health advice on COVID-19. Most courts are implementing the staged easing of restrictions.

Read the latest updates.

Family Dispute Resolution Service meets COVID-19 demand

When courts closed their physical doors last year during the height of the COVID-19 restrictions, our Family Dispute Resolution Service (FDRS) worked creatively to ensure families could still access their services.

Read an update from FDRS on case completion rates.

New consolidated approach to audits and compliance checks

We are introducing a new approach to quality audits and compliance checks for panel practitioners.

Read more about the benefits of our consolidated Quality Assurance reviews.

Community news and notices

Bright yellow and black coloured graphic which reads 'Victorian Law Week 17-23 May 2021'.

What your public law librarian can do for you

During Victorian Law Week, our Public Law Library will be presenting an online session on their resources and how our library can assist with your legal research.

Come along to the session which will include a quick introduction to finding Victorian legislation and case law.

New website for Mental Health Complaints Commissioner

The Mental Health Complaints Commissioner (MHCC) has launched its new website to assist consumers, families, carers and support people access information and make a complaint about a Victorian public mental health service.

'Better Law for a Better World' book launch

Dr Liz Curran will launch her book, 'Better Law for a Better World' at The Collective in Carlton on Tuesday 18 May at 6.30 pm. The book breaks down ways for law students, legal educators and law practitioners to enhance access to justice and improve outcomes through new approaches to lawyering.

Register for the launch.

If you have any community news that you would like included in this newsletter email editor@vla.vic.gov.au. Items will be published at the editor's discretion.

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This newsletter is authorised by Victoria Legal Aid, 570 Bourke Street Melbourne 3000.

Victoria Legal Aid operates on Aboriginal country throughout Victoria. We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land and respect their continuing connections to land, sea and community.

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