Everyday Justice will emphasise accessibility for clients, delivering services online and via telephone, as well as in person. Innovative legal technology solutions will ensure that vulnerable people, including those with disabilities, the elderly and those in rural, remote and regional communities have ample access to free legal assistance without the need to travel great distances to obtain it.

“During the COVID lockdowns, Mills Oakley honed the skill of providing seamless client service remotely,” observed Mills Oakley chief executive John Nerurker.

“We are well placed to apply those lessons with Everyday Justice.”

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Everyday Justice will provide advice on employment law, tenancy, credit and debt, bankruptcy, financial abuse, fines and infringements, human rights, environmental and other areas of public interest. Many of these practice areas have experienced a strong increase in demand since last summer’s bushfires and the ongoing coronavirus-related lockdowns.

An opportunity for aspiring lawyers

Everyday Justice will also provide a pathway for aspiring lawyers to gain the practical legal experience required for admission, offering internships to law graduates and newly qualified lawyers interested in pursuing careers in the social justice sector.

“An unfortunate consequence of the pandemic is that many firms cut back on their graduate intake,” Mr Nerurker said.

“Everyday Justice will give back to the profession by providing a comprehensive training program for aspiring lawyers.”

That training program will cover all areas of the firm’s practice. Interns will then have the opportunity to help make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need, in a supportive, stimulating and diverse learning environment.

“We want to equip more young lawyers with the practical skills needed to help Australians with their everyday legal issues,” Mr Nerurker added.

Deep experience and community connections

The senior figures who are leading the charity are well credentialed in the pro bono space. Mills Oakley partner Luke Geary will chair the Everyday Justice board and managing lawyer Amy Burton will be responsible for day-to-day pro bono operations. Both Ms Burton and Mr Geary have been recognised for their contribution to accessible justice. 

Ms Burton was named Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year at the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Awards, while Mr Geary’s many accolades include Managing Partner of the Year at the Australian Law Awards, in recognition for his work previously at Salvos Legal, and Anzac of the Year for services to the legal profession and the community.

Everyday Justice will continue to work closely with the many charities supported by MO, who will refer clients to the service.

Everyday Justice will also formally partner with The College of Law to identify suitable candidates for the internship program. Terri Mottershead, executive director of the College’s Centre for Legal Innovation, will serve on the board of Everyday Justice. Mills Oakley partner Vera Visevic will also serve on the board.

“Every charity needs to have roots in the community,” Mr Nerurker added.

“It is vital to have a consultative approach, taking advice and seeking engagement from as wide a cross-section of stakeholders as possible.

“We are not here to reinvent the wheel – we are here to follow best practice and to assist as many vulnerable people as we can. And given the number of vulnerable people affected by COVID-19, the need has never been greater.”

The decision to launch Everyday Justice was welcomed by Australian Pro Bono Centre CEO Gabriela Christian-Hare.

“Mills Oakley is to be congratulated for establishing and investing in Everyday Justice as a vehicle through which vulnerable Australians can obtain pro bono legal support across a range of critical areas,” Ms Christian-Hare commented.

“The charity will also help to build the next generation of lawyers committed to access to justice, the public good and community service through pro bono work.”

A coming of age for Mills Oakley

Mills Oakley said the launch of Everyday Justice reflects the evolution into a modern, progressive national firm. The firm has passed many milestones in the past five years, including appointing the firm’s 100th partner, crossing the $200 million revenue mark and opening a Perth office to become a truly national firm.

“We have enjoyed tremendous success in recent years,” Mr Nerurker said.

“But with that success and national profile comes an obligation to give back to the community in equal measure. While we have been active in the community for many years, it is time to step up and take our pro bono strategy to the next level. This is a coming of age moment for Mills Oakley.”