5 April 2018: University of Canberra staff and students, as well as members of the local community, will be able to access legal assistance free of charge and on campus under a new initiative.
The University has partnered with Legal Aid ACT to establish a free service at the University’s Bruce campus.
Under the arrangement, Legal Aid lawyers will offer free, confidential legal advice on Tuesdays and Thursdays from the University’s Student Central.
University of Canberra Director of Student Life Scott Pearsall said the on-campus presence of legal professionals would ease the burden on students and the members of the local community who are dealing with legal issues.
“We know that university students commonly have a number of legal problems, including debt, residential disputes and employment issues,” Mr Pearsall said.
“This new service will provide timely and effective help for our students and enhance access to justice.”
ACT Attorney General Gordan Ramsay MLA welcomed the new service, saying it would provide students with legal support when they needed it.
“Starting university is an exciting time in the life of any student,” Minister Ramsay said.
“This legal clinic will make sure that students of UC get the support they need at this new, and at times challenging stage of their lives.
“This initiative between UC and Legal Aid is a fantastic example of a collaborative approach to delivering legal services. The Government welcomes continued innovation around addressing legal needs in the ACT.”
Legal Aid @ UC will operate alongside the wide range of existing student welfare services offered by the University.
It will also potentially allow the University’s law students to undertake hands-on learning opportunities through internships and clinical programs.
“Work-integrated learning is a valuable educational tool,” Mr Pearsall said.
“The University and Legal Aid ACT will work toward providing students with opportunities to gain practical experience while they study.”
Contact the University of Canberra media team:
Antony Perry: 0434 795 919
Claudia Doman: 0408 826 362