There are currently approximately 150 volunteers contributing to the operations of the FLS, through various committees, workgroups and by staffing the evening service. There are approximately 60 lawyers (barristers and solicitors) and non-legal volunteers on a roster who attend one evening every week. Non-lawyers interview clients in conjunction with a lawyer with a view to assisting communication, ensuring that a minimum of unintelligible legal jargon is used and to add advice from their own experience.

In endeavouring to provide an accessible legal service to people without means the Service is -

• free;
• a storefront location in the suburbs where people live;
• operates at night so that those who cannot take time off work can consult us;
• informal, in that we seek to avoid an inhibiting atmosphere by taking a more personal and human approach; and
• holistic in its approach to people and their problems, by not focusing solely on legal solutions.

The legal service also participates in and promotes law reform as well as promoting community legal education which is closely bound up with the practice of preventative law, demystification and empowerment.

Clients are seen from 6.30pm to 9.00pm Monday to Friday - at which time no appointment is necessary. Legal advice IS NOT GIVEN OVER THE TELEPHONE. However, assistance is often given by telephone to social workers and people in other helping agencies (including many government officers who seek advice on behalf of their clients). During the day the casework solicitors only see clients by appointment (usually after they have been seen at night). However, emergency situations are handled wherever possible.

For information on how to volunteer your services as a lawyer or law student, contact enquiries@fitzroy-legal.org.au