WEstjustice
VU have worked in partnership with WEstjustice since 2010 to establish a variety of clinical legal education programs for our students. These programs will provide you with real life practical experiences, giving you a head start in your legal career.
WEstjustice Sunshine Youth Clinic
The Sunshine Youth Clinic is a four-month program for law students and operates in partnership with WEstjustice. The centre is located in the busy youth service at the Visy Cares Youth Hub in Sunshine.
The centre provides legal guidance, support and advice to all young people between the ages of 15 – 25 years with legal concerns and queries from across the Western region. The areas of assistance include but are not limited to:
- summary crime
- infringements
- motor vehicle accidents and other civil matters.
Working in a real legal practice, you will deal with real clients and issues under the supervision of a practising lawyer. You'll have the opportunity to interview clients, liaise with police and appear in court, gaining practical experience in the justice system as it relates to individuals and communities.
The program runs three times per year for a four-month period.
Hear from Bachelor of Laws (Honours) graduate Melanie Rudolphus about her experience at WEstjustice Sunshine Youth Office.
WEstjustice Fines Clinic
Within the WEstjustice Fines Clinic you will have the opportunity to work as a paralegal. You'll be trained in all aspects of the infringements system and have the opportunity to interview clients under the supervision of a staff lawyer, liaise with workers at support agencies, conduct casework and attend court hearings to support clients.
The clinic runs three times per year for a four-month period.
WEstjustice Family Law Clinic
This Clinic enables you to work alongside specialist family lawyers dealing with family law clients from disadvantaged backgrounds.
You will work across a range of areas including the:
- Children's Court
- Family Court
- Magistrates Court
- Victoria Legal Aid office.
Tasks are allocated according to the abilities you demonstrate - the the more skill you show, the more complex the work you will be given.
The clinic runs twice a year for a five-month period.
WEstjustice Refugee Clinic
Working as a paralegal in the WEstjustice Refugee Clinic you will be trained in various areas of relevant community law. You will have the opportunity to:
- interview clients under the supervision of a staff lawyer
- liaise with workers at support agencies
- conduct casework
- attend court hearings to support clients.
The clinic runs three times per year for a four-month period.