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WA to welcome new pro bono model
The Western Australian state government has introduced a new pro bono model, which will further enhance access to justice for all Western Australians.
Tony Zhang
New pro bono requirements will apply to all law firms which undertake legal services for government departments and agencies and take effect from 1 July 2020.
“The WA pro bono model will focus on helping individuals from disadvantaged and marginalised backgrounds secure access to justice,” Attorney-General John Quigley said.
“It will improve access to justice for those in greatest hardship.”
The Western Australian Law Society welcomed the government’s introduction of a new pro bono model.
Law Society President Nicholas van Hattem concurred, “The Law Society of Western Australia is pleased to have contributed to the development of the WA pro bono model and supports pro bono by members of the legal profession and firms where they have the capacity to provide it.”
The Western Australian pro bono model will focus on helping individuals from disadvantaged and marginalised backgrounds secure access to justice, according to Mr Quigley and will “improve access to justice for those in greatest hardship.”
Mr Quigley acknowledged that Western Australian law firms have been providing pro bono services for a very long time.
“We are fortunate here in Western Australia to have so many outstanding individuals, not-for-profit organisations and law firms providing pro bono legal assistance to members of our community,” he said.
Law Access has also welcomed the new pro bono model to enhance access to justice in Western Australia.
“This is great news. The model will [help drive] further growth in pro bono legal assistance to the most vulnerable in our community,” Law Access chairman the Honourable Malcolm McCusker QC said.
“The model’s approved causes provision will ensure pro bono legal efforts are directed to those most in need of assistance.
“The model builds on the extensive existing voluntary pro bono legal contributions by the legal profession in WA.
“I am sure the implementation of this new model will be closely followed by other jurisdictions who have adopted pro bono requirements for law firms undertaking government work.”
