18 February 2005
The Springvale Monash Legal Service (SMLS) is now better equipped to advise clients within the area's Vietnamese community, following the appointment of Monash Law graduate Ms Huong Nguyen, the service's only Vietnamese-speaking legal officer.
The 25 year-old, who arrived in Australia as a refugee when she was an infant, speaks Vietnamese and specialises in areas including family violence and intervention orders.
Ms Nguyen advises as part of the SMLS Intervention Order Support Scheme, in which the service's lawyers attend court to advise clients who are applying for intervention orders.
The Support Scheme is an initiative of the SMLS and the Westernport Family Violence Network, which are both part of a local alliance of organisations dealing with family violence.
Ms Nguyen joined SMLS last year after completing her Arts/Law double degree at Monash in 2003. "My background helps because I can understand cultural aspects, and speaking the same language really helps because it promotes a feeling of trust," she says.
"I advise clients about the procedures and attend court with them. Sometimes we negotiate with the other party and resolve a dispute without the need for a court appearance. That can save the applicant from the stress of a court procedure that can be quite intimidating and upsetting because clients are often very emotional when they get to court.
"I like to see myself in a role where I can help people in the community. I love the work I do and I am really thankful for the position I am in today. I get legal experience and I get to help people from my own community."
The Monash University Law faculty established the SMLS and the Monash Oakleigh Legal Service in the early 1970s. Their establishment meant Monash became the first Australian university to offer hands-on, practical internships for its final year law students. The two legal services were also among Australia's first free, community legal aid organisations.
For more information call Ms Robyn Anns, Media Communications, on +61 3 9905 9317 or 0417 568 781; or Ms Huong Nguyen +61 3 9562 3144.
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