casework

In addition to providing legal advice and referrals, ECLC also provides limited ongoing casework on a broad range of legal issues.

ECLC has very strict guidelines as to the types of cases we are able to take on.  Casework is offered to people who are disadvantaged. This may depend on many factors and although the following is not exhaustive, we try to assist people who:

• Are Centrelink recipients or low income earners
• Have difficulty in understanding or coping with the legal process
• Have other compelling circumstances such as associated mental problems or dire financial situations
• Present issues that have a public interest component.

The most common types of legal problems assisted with in our ongoing casework are Family Law, Intervention Orders, Minor Crime, Motor Traffic Offences, Debts and Motor Vehicle Property Damage.

ECLC can also access pro bono schemes to obtain assistance for client’s who may not be eligible for legal aid, where the legal centre does not have the expertise in the area of the law or where we do not have the resources to run a case. We have accessed the Law Institute and Victorian Bar pro bono schemes and the schemes operated by various firms of private solicitors.