Media Release: Pragma Lawyers partners with Subiaco Justice Centre

Pragma Lawyers and the Subiaco Justice Centre (SJC) have entered into a strategic partnership that will strengthen the Centre, enable it to employ a supervising lawyer and otherwise deliver significant pro bono (free) legal support to disadvantaged clients across the metropolitan area who would not otherwise be able to afford a lawyer.

In addition to financial support, the agreement will see Pragma Lawyers provide extensive in-kind support to the Centre, including providing volunteer staff from the firm on a regular basis, conducting training for SJC staff and volunteers, and hosting SJC events at Pragma's office on Rokeby Road.

The SJC is an independent, not-for-profit community legal centre providing legal advice to those in the community that need it most. The services are provided by volunteer lawyers assisted by law students across a range of general and family law matters, and can also assist with some matters that Legal Aid and other community legal centres do not address.SJC General Manager Annie Belcastro says Pragma's timely support will help the Centre meet the growing need for pro bono legal services in the community.

"There is unmet need for the provision of legal services to disadvantaged members of the community and this partnership will allow the Subiaco Justice Centre to continue its services and expand its operations. The SJC is very grateful to Pragma Lawyers for their extensive support. This collaboration is an excellent example of a private law firm partnering with a community legal service to provide both financial and professional support," Ms Belcastro said.

‍About the Subiaco Justice Centre

‍The Subiaco Justice Centre is a not-for-profit community legal centre providing access to legal services to those in the Subiaco community that need it most. SJC helps the most disadvantaged people in the community including those:

• On low income (earning under $60,000 per year)
• Unemployed (not retired)
• Receiving Centrelink payments
• Receiving the Aged or Disability Pension
• Who are homeless or at risk of homelessness
• Who are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
• Experiencing or overcoming family violence

It offers free, 30 minute appointments to qualified individuals. SJC volunteer lawyers are experienced professionals working in private practice who generously donate their time after hours to assist their clients. They will determine whether clients have a legal problem, suggest possible options and provide appropriate referrals. They provide general advice only and cannot represent clients in court or write letters on their behalf, but have expertise in many areas of the law.

For further information about SJC services, volunteering or other questions, email info@subiaco.legal, call or visit (08) 6500 0227 www.subiaco.legal.