SELF REPRESENTATION SERVICE (QCAT) Induction 2010

QPILCH  Queensland Public Interest Law Clearing House:  Non-profit community legal service  Partnership – law firms, barristers, QLS, law schools, CLCs  Legal referral agency  Direct assistance services – HPLC, RCLC, SRS

Self Representation Service  Service in Brisbane District and Supreme Courts established in late Now also Qld Court of Appeal  Established to meet recognised need – a public interest issue  Continuing success of Service is clear

Expansion to QCAT  Similar service, slightly different impetus.  Large multi-jurisdictional tribunal conducts matters in a way that is “accessible, fair, just, economical, informal and quick”.  Estimated 35,000 people involved in proceedings each year.  Outcome of proceedings will often have serious consequences on the welfare, dignity and daily living of people involved.

Scope of Service  Child protection and education  Anti-discrimination  Guardianship and administration  Right to information and information privacy  Manufactured homes  Residential tenancy  Retirement villages  QCAT Appeals

Who? Where? How?  Eligibility for assistance:  Means  Merit  Level 11, Bank of Qld building, Queen St.  Office space  Interview room  Appointment based  Applications for assistance received and assessed  Appointments made and files created

Insurance: QPILCH  QPILCH professional indemnity policy  Solicitors must hold a practising certificate  Solicitors must comply with QPILCH policies and procedures

Before appointment session  Client and Case Summary  Conflict check  Overview of client’s matter  Outline of assistance required  Firm responsibility to keep commitment to appointment sessions

At appointment session  Arrive at 1.50pm  QPILCH lawyers, not firm lawyers  A maximum of 3 client appointments  Treat client the same as you would any other client, but also be aware of client’s particular needs  Create record of appointment on file progress and advice sheet

Assistance provided  Discrete task assistance to assist people to:  understand the law, their legal rights and the perspective of the other party and perspective and requirements of QCAT;  observe QCAT rules and processes;  be aware of potential orders and the effect of not complying with orders; and  present their case in the best possible manner.

After appointment session  Inform QPILCH staff:  Of any queries or concerns about clients’ matters  Whether clients require ongoing assistance/a further appointment – the best option for further assistance  Of any urgent follow up work that needs to be undertaken, or referral that needs to be made (eg. for representation through QPICLH referral scheme)

Law Reform, training and other involvement  Policy/law reform - reflective of casework  Training  Walk for Justice May 17, 2010

Questions?

QPILCH contacts QPILCH Coordinator: Andrea de Smidt Solicitor: Allira Thompson Paralegal: Sam Boyle