01 Jan The Parramatta Community Justice Clinic Partnership Program
The Parramatta Community Justice Clinic (PCJC) is a partnership program between Western Sydney University and Western Sydney Community Legal Centre Limited. The PCJC provides free legal advice, casework and court or tribunal representation to residents in Western Sydney who cannot afford a solicitor. The PCJC provides assistance in motor vehicle accidents, debt matters, traffic offences, minor criminal matters in the Local Court, fines, AVOs, neighbourhood disputes and discrimination matters. Clients often comment that without the services of the PCJC, they would not be able to navigate the legal system and obtain a favourable outcome. One client stated “I would like to express my deepest gratitude to you for your assistance with the matter. I do not believe I would have had the ability to deal with the police and court by myself. I’m extremely grateful that these services were provided at no cost to myself.
The PCJC also facilitates a clinical placement for law students of Western Sydney University. Each week, four law students attend the PCJC for a five-day placement. The students assist the supervising solicitor by speaking to clients to obtain instructions, researching legal issues, attending advice appointments and completing follow up paperwork. The students also have the opportunity to observe court proceedings at the Parramatta Justice Precinct and spend time with local police prosecutors. The placement gives students an insight into legal practice, and highlights for them the issues disadvantaged clients face when trying to navigate the legal system.
Website: https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/sol/school_of_law/parramatta_community_justice_clinic
