Friday, 20 March 2020
The State Government has announced the introduction of a Pro Bono Model, which will further enhance access to justice for all Western Australians.
New pro bono requirements will apply to all law firms who undertake legal services for government departments and agencies and take effect from 1 July 2020.
Under the WA Pro Bono Model, law firms who undertake legal services for Government must subscribe to the National Pro Bono Target, and provide pro bono legal services in WA for ‘approved causes’ to the value of at least 10 per cent of the value of their State Government legal work.
Attorney General John Quigley said, “The WA Pro Bono Model will focus on helping individuals from disadvantaged and marginalised backgrounds secure access to justice. It will improve access to justice for those in greatest hardship.”
Law Society President Nicholas van Hattem concurred, “The Law Society of Western Australia is pleased to have contributed to the development of the WA Pro Bono Model and supports pro bono by members of the legal profession and firms where they have the capacity to provide it.”
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For comment please contact:
Andrew MacNiven
Senior Media and Communications Officer
(08) 9324 8634
amacniven@lawsocietywa.asn.au
The Law Society of Western Australia is the peak professional association for lawyers in the State. The Society is a not-for-profit association dedicated to the representation of its more than 4,000 members. The Society enhances the legal profession through its position as a respected leader and contributor on law reform, access to justice and the rule of law. The Society is widely acknowledged by the legal profession, government and the community as the voice of the legal profession in Western Australia.
