20 October 2005
The Monash-Oakleigh Legal Service (MOLS) has more than doubled the number of weekly sessions offered and can now take on additional clients.
MOLS is operated by Monash University's Faculty of Law, with final year law students and graduate law students offering legal advice and running files under the supervision of qualified solicitors.
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| Monash Law students Ms Julia Sheinina (back) and Ms Rachel Fletcher discuss a client file with their supervisor Ms Kate Seear (centre). |
Free legal advice is offered to those who are unable to afford private legal assistance and those who can't access the legal system because of a language barrier or other disadvantage.
Sessions are offered every weekday, with additional evening sessions available on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.
MOLS director Ms Fay Gertner said the service was Monash's way of giving back to the community and gave students valuable practical experience.
"It's very empowering for students to meet with clients and work hands-on with them to solve their legal problem," Ms Gertner said.
"After four or five years of theoretical learning, students are able to apply their knowledge in a practical setting, where both the client and student benefit.
"Students rate the experience very highly, with many continuing to do volunteer work after completing their studies," she said.
MOLS offers legal advice on criminal charges, motor vehicle accidents, consent orders in family law, divorce, neighbourhood disputes, wills, power of attorney and fines.
Funding is provided by the Monash Law School, Victoria Legal Aid, the Commonwealth Government and the City of Monash.
MOLS originally started as the Monash Legal Service in the 1970s -- the first program of its kind in Australia -- with students offering legal advice from a room in the Law School building.
For further information contact Ms Fay Gertner on +61 3 9902 0138 or Ms Natasha Whalley, Media Communications on +61 3 9905 9201 or 0437 458 457.
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