Volunteering at PILCH provides law students and graduates with an insight into the many facets of the legal system and profession, while focussing on the practice of public interest work and the provision of access to justice for disadvantaged members of the community.

PILCH offers two types of volunteer programs:

• Ongoing- Throughout the year 10 penultimate and final year law studentsare selected to work one full day per week on an ongoing basis.
  
• Internship -During the summer vacation,4 penultimate and final year law students are selected for two week placements at PILCH.

Volunteers are involved in many aspects of the day to day work at PILCH. They may be asked to assist with:

• the review of files and matters for referral, including the preparation of memoranda and briefs;
• the preparation of PILCH newsletters and the Annual Report;
• research and production of special publications;
• organising special events, such as seminars for the legal community;
• observation of clinics attended by the Co-ordinator of the Homeless Persons' Legal Clinic; and
• assisting the Coordinator with administrative tasks.

To date, the recruitment of volunteers has relied on word of mouth, PILCH's presence at university career fairs and the initiative of the individual students. Formervolunteers speak warmly of their experiences at PILCH and PILCH cultivates their continued involvement with public interest pro bono work by inviting them to seminars, ensuring they receive PILCH publications and encouraging them to participate in PILCH's fundraising and social events.

To become a volunteer at PILCH, please send us your resume and a brief covering letter, addressed to our Coordinator.

For further information, please contact us on (03) 9225 6680 or at pilch@vicbar.com.au.