In Australia, many people are unable to access justice due to high legal fees, asylum seeker or refugee status and other socio-economic barriers. While Government funded legal aid is available, these services turn away 160,000 people every year because they lack the capacity and funding to meet overwhelming demand.
Added to this is the inadequate number of practitioners with the capacity to provide legal aid and the tightening of government criteria under which clients can access assistance. The result is a growing number of people falling through the gap.
The expansion of Monash Law Clinics in the Melbourne CBD, Clayton, and in partnership with South-East Monash Legal Service underscores the commitment of Monash Law to assisting vulnerable members of our community, whilst educating our students in practical, ethical and professional legal practice.