Legal profession walks the walk for justice

Not content to just talk the talk, lawyers and judges across the country hit the pavement last Tuesday to promote the work of pro bono lawyers.

Stefanie Garber • 14 May 2015 • SME Law

As part of Law Week, the Walk for Justice event brought together members of the legal community for an early morning stroll to raise awareness for the contribution of the pro bono sector – which is a lot to achieve before breakfast, in Folklaw's humble opinion.

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High-profile walkers at this year’s event included Victorian attorney-general Martin Pakula, Australian Human Rights Commission president Gillian Triggs and NSW Supreme Court chief justice Tom Bathurst.

Walks were organised in Sydney, Melbourne and Newcastle by Justice Connect, as well as in Brisbane and regional Queensland by QPLICH and Adelaide by JusticeNet SA.

Justice Connect CEO Fiona McLeay said the organisation was committed to increasing access to justice by linking Australia's commercial legal sector with those in need.

“Without the generosity of barristers, law firms and their teams volunteering their time, combined with the hard work of community lawyers, huge numbers of people would be denied justice,” Ms McLeay said.

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“Justice Connect is determined to grow this culture of collaboration and connection, and the Walk for Justice is a key moment for us to highlight just how important it is.”

The team from DLA Piper

The Justice Connect flag flies high

Colin Biggers & Paisley put in a strong showing

Crowds turn out for the Melbourne event

Vic attorney-general Martin Pakula and Justice Connect president Mitzi Gilligan

Jane Friday, 15 May 2015

Zorro - Legalism: excessive adherence to law or formula. I would much rather live in a society with the rule of law even if that means 'excessive' adherence to that law. And how would 'removal of legalism' eliminate the need for pro bono? Doesn't the legal profession deserve a bit more credit for the 1000s hours they spend on pro bono? I don't see any bankers, accountants or other service professionals providing free services to the underpriveleged, indigenous and other people who cannot otherwise afford them.

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ZORRO Thursday, 14 May 2015

If lawyers really were sincere here they should be working out ways of removing legalism from our society and economy. Then people wouldn't need lawyers doing bro bono. OK it may mean some lawyers out of a job.

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