Members of Western Australia’s legal profession will gather on the Swan River foreshore on Tuesday 21 May, for a walk to raise money for vulnerable people who need legal help.
Law Access helps those who can’t afford a lawyer to access one for free, or at low cost, by providing referrals in certain types of law to lawyers who have registered with the organisation to undertake pro bono work.
The Walk for Justice – in its ninth year – is part of Law Week, which started on 15 May and draws focus to the many services provided by the legal profession around Australia.
In Western Australia, Law Week is coordinated by the Law Society of Western Australia – Law Access is its charitable arm.
Law Access CEO Alana Dowley said the walk was an important part of the Law Week calendar.
“Community need for free legal service continues to grow and so we encourage all members of the legal profession to take part in this walk and to make pro bono work a part of their practice,” Ms Dowley said.
“We bring out the competitive spirit with prizes awarded to the top fundraisers. Walkers come from all parts of the legal community. They bring their dogs, prams and strollers and share a breakfast together afterwards.”
Lawyer and former Governor of Western Australia Malcolm McCusker AC CVO KC is patron of Law Access, and the McCusker Charitable Foundation matches – up to $50,000 – the amount of money raised by walkers, who gather sponsorship from friends, family and their legal firms or organisations.
Event Ambassador The Hon Peter Quinlan, Chief Justice of Western Australia took part in last year’s walk with his dog, Bonnie.
“It’s a highlight of Law Week that I look forward to each year,” Chief Justice Quinlan said.
“Helping the community through pro bono work is both motivating and rewarding. I encourage as many members of the legal profession as possible to support this walk and the work of Law Access.”
In 2023, Law Access referred 127 matters to lawyers for pro bono assistance, with an estimated total of 3794 hours of work provided.
Ms Dowley said the Walk for Justice enjoyed good support from the legal profession.
“Last year, we raised $170,000 and this year we hope to again raise a significant total,” Ms Dowley said.
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