1. Dan Jacobs Project Officer, National Pro Bono Resource Centre

2.  A national and independent centre of expertise  Grows the capacity of the Australian legal profession to do pro bono legal work  Undertakes policy and research work (no front line service delivery)  Produces resources and directories for CLCs and other community organisations on how to obtain pro bono legal assistance and partnerships

3.  Research Report (127 pages)  Started mid 2012, released October 2013  Spoke to 64 people from 42 organisations, including  CLCs  Family law practitioners  Large and small law firms  Courts  Legal Aid

4.  No surprise: there is great unmet need in family law reported at every level - CLCs, private lawyers, Legal Aid and the Courts  There’s good news… pro bono assistance is often available in family violence matters (incl FVOs and Victim’s Compensation)  … and there’s bad news… pro bono assistance is very hard to obtain in family law matters  Large firms can’t/won’t undertake pro bono legal work in family law  Family Law Practitioners and small firms are already at capacity, providing extra, uncharged work for current clients (especially when legal aid grants run out)

5.  Is the unmet legal need compatible with the legal assistance available, based on the scope of the firm’s pro bono policy?  Do the firm (and its lawyers) have expertise in the relevant area of law?  Is the matter a discrete task?  Do the firm (and its lawyers) have the capacity to take on the matter?  Is there willingness and interest from lawyers within the firm to undertake the work?

6. Family Law  “Pro bono is not a substitute for legal aid”  Don’t want to be a drop in the bucket Family Violence  Family violence is an issue that affects client groups that many firms focus on  Wish to provide a holistic service

7. Family Law  Large firms do not do family law  The Family Law Act and family law matters in general are large and complex Family Violence  Smaller body of legislation on Family Violence Orders and Victims Compensation  Lack of expertise can be overcome by training

8. Family Law  Small firms and individual family law practitioners which tick other boxes do not have capacity Family Violence  Large firms do have capacity  Often easier to estimate time in a Family Violence Order or Victims Compensation matter

9. Family Law  Discrete tasks are rare in family law  Trying to separate out ‘discrete tasks’ can do more harm than good Family Violence  Legal issues are relatively straightforward, Acts are not overly complex, comparatively  Tasks can often involve drafting only (i.e. Victims Compensation)

10. Family Law  Family Law Act and the matters themselves are perceived as complex  Involves difficult and/or emotive clients Family Violence  Women escaping abusive relationships are recognised as a deserving, particularly vulnerable group

11. For an individual matter:  Law Society of NSW Pro Bono Scheme 02 9926 0364  NSW Bar Assoc Legal Assistance Referral Scheme 02 9232 4055  Justice Connect (fmly PILCH NSW and PILCH Vic) 02 9114 1793 To find a pro bono partner for a project:  National Law Firm Directory (on our website)  Find a contact with a link to your Centre or your community  Network - attend conferences, training etc  Speak to us, CLC NSW and/or Justice Connect  Refer to Pro Bono Partnerships: A Practical Guide to What Works for more information

12.  Best Practice Guide (246 pages)  Different sections for different audiences, including CLCs  Provide practical tips on how to attract pro bono partners and then maintain the relationship  Provides examples of successful partnerships and projects, includes “real world” advice on pitfalls to avoid

13. Pro Bono Partnerships: A Practical Guide to What Works Pro Bono Legal Services in Family Law and Family Violence: Understanding the Limitations and Opportunities Both available for download at: www.nationalprobono.org.au Printed copies available by contacting the Centre: Email: info@nationalprobono.org.au Phone: 02 9385 7381