Parramatta Community Justice Clinic

There are few better ways to understand the social justice issues confronting society than to be thrust into them. And that’s what University of Western Sydney law students are doing through a justice clinic established in Australia’s second-largest legal precinct.

The Parramatta Community Justice Clinic emerged from a partnership between UWS, government, the legal profession and community organisations to provide a much-needed community service and a hands-on learning opportunity for students.

Located in the heart of the large Parramatta Justice Precinct in Western Sydney, the clinic is imbuing students with a sense of social justice while offering them the chance to work on real-life cases under the supervision of professional lawyers. At the same time it is addressing a critical community need: free legal representation for financially disadvantaged people.

The program is part of a move by the UWS School of Law to be an Australian leader in social justice and equity, a key University platform. The clinic provides an important avenue of experience for final year students, all of whom are guaranteed a clinical placement and many of whom will remain in the region to work once they graduate. The students gain a valuable insight into the social issues that arise in one of Australia’s most culturally diverse communities. And through the clinic they are exposed to specific areas of interest such as elder law, alternate dispute resolution, mental health and migration law.

The clinic, which sits alongside Parramatta’s Legal Aid Centre, refers clients to appropriate agencies, provides client advice, holds seminars and liaises with other legal organisations to identify gaps in the legal system. Its current partners include the NSW Attorney General, Parramatta City Council, Macquarie Legal Centre, industry associations and a wide range of industry practitioners who provide pro bono student supervision. Each partner contributes complementary legal services that build on existing services available in the community.

The flagship program is one of the ways the University is meeting employer demand for graduates who are ready for work and who understand - and can adapt to - the complexities of the local community.