Our innovative, student-staffed legal clinic champions social justice whilst providing students with a unique, practical learning experience. It’s a fine example of Deakin’s legacy of access and inclusion.
By Michelle Courtney
The Deakin Law Clinic – Australia’s first student-staffed law clinic – is testament to Deakin University’s commitment to both practical education and community service; bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world legal experience to bring justice to people who may otherwise struggle to access legal services.
The Clinic provides legal advice, assistance and information to people experiencing disadvantage accessing legal services. It also aims to educate the broader community in relation to their legal rights and justice issues.
As Deakin University enters its 50th-year, the Deakin Law Clinic is a fine example of the University’s ethos of combining academic rigour with community impact; ensuring the law is a tool for justice accessible to all.
Established in Melbourne CBD in 2017 and expanding to Geelong in 2022, the Clinic has provided more than 700 law students with an incredible learning opportunity to help more than 900 community members with over 1,000 matters across family law, criminal law, employment law and civil law.
‘‘Everyone should have access to legal assistance and justice, regardless of their background or financial situation.’
The Clinic’s policy advocacy practice also contributes to important law reform and community legal education by preparing submissions to inquiries and creating legal information resources for the community.
This service has proven invaluable for people who may not have the means to afford traditional legal services, ensuring that justice is more accessible and inclusive.
The people the clinic serves often reflect the most vulnerable members of society: one in four clients come from a culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) background, one in five have a disability or mental health condition, and three in four are experiencing family violence.
Principal Solicitor Michele Tucker highlighted the clinic’s dual mission of service and education.
‘Everyone should have access to legal assistance and justice, regardless of their background or financial situation,’ Michele said.
‘Helping people understand their legal issues and assisting them by breaking down some of those barriers to achieving justice is integral to our work.’
‘Working one-on-one with clients and participating in various legal processes was eye-opening. It showed me how the work the Clinic does can really make a difference.’
Michele said giving students the opportunity to work on real-life client matters was an unparalleled educational experience that helped them become not just good lawyers, but also well-rounded and compassionate people.
‘Teaching empathy and reflection is as important as teaching practical skills,’ she said.
‘We have a great team who are dedicated and passionate advocates for social justice. Our priorities are achieving great outcomes for clients, but also ensuring every client matter and project undertaken offers a valuable teaching opportunity for our students through experiential learning.’
‘Students frequently describe their time at the clinic as the defining experience of their studies, providing them with both confidence and competence as they transition into the workforce.’
Final year Deakin law student, Taylah Hartwell, spoke of the profound impact the clinic had on her career path.
‘I was feeling the drain after five years of study, but the Clinic really reignited my passion for law. Working one-on-one with clients and participating in various legal processes was eye-opening. It showed me how the work the Clinic does can really make a difference.’
‘The Clinic equipped me with the tools I needed to guide clients through their legal challenges, empowering them to face these issues with confidence. I wouldn’t have found my love for family law without this experience.’
‘We not only help clients resolve their legal issues but also aim to leave them with a better understanding of the law and how to navigate the legal system.’
If you require legal assistance and would like to book an appointment at the Deakin Law Clinic, please email or visit their website.
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