Our criminal law program is now home to the only student-supervised duty lawyer service currently operating in Victoria. Based at South-East Monash Legal Service, this program gives Monash Law students the opportunity to take real responsibility for real clients. They have meaningful impact on client outcomes in a justice system where the need for support is high.
Three times each year, four Monash Law students complete a 16-week professional practice placement under the supervision of our experienced criminal lawyer, April Watson. Students spend Tuesdays at South-East Monash Legal Service, working directly with clients and undertaking casework. On Fridays, they step into the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court as student duty lawyers.
This placement is more than a learning opportunity. It allows students to meaningfully contribute to access to justice. Students also develop core legal skills in advocacy, negotiation, legal writing and client communication. Many of the clients who come through the program would otherwise be forced to navigate the court system alone.
Closing the justice gap with student criminal lawyers
Between January and June 2025, students in our criminal law program supported more than 50 clients across criminal, quasi-criminal and regulatory proceedings. These individuals represent a group often referred to as the “missing middle”: people who are ineligible for legal aid but unable to afford private legal representation.
For example, most people facing charges under the Road Safety Act 1986 are not eligible for legal aid, even though outcomes such as licence loss or a criminal record can have far-reaching effects. A licence suspension may lead to loss of employment, difficulty accessing medical care or essential services, or an inability to remove oneself or one’s children from an unsafe environment. The impacts of these legal problems can rapidly snowball, impacting someone’s entire life.
“People experiencing mental health difficulties are overrepresented in the criminal justice system,” said supervising lawyer April Watson. “They may struggle to retain employment, to manage their financial responsibilities, or to navigate legal and government systems. They can’t afford a lawyer, and without legal help would be victims of an overcomplicated and overpoliced system, which often results in outcomes that worsen the hardship they are experiencing.”
Help for clients who are facing systemic disadvantage
Most clients supported by our criminal program are facing intersecting forms of disadvantage. They might be from refugee or migrant backgrounds. They may speak English as an additional language and need extra help navigating systems. Many of the people we help have a disability, mental illness, substance dependence, trauma, or are experiencing financial hardship.
Using a holistic, strengths-based and trauma-informed approach, our program helps clients understand the charges they are facing, educates them about their rights, and supports them in navigating the court process. Students assess the strength of the case, negotiate with police where appropriate, and advocate for the best possible outcome based on the client’s individual circumstances. Working with South-East Monash Legal Service’s social and community workers, we also refer clients to support services to help address the non-legal issues affecting their lives.
Without this program, many clients would be left to represent themselves in a complex and intimidating legal system. We know that even minor matters can carry serious personal and financial consequences. Getting access to this support can make a real difference to someone’s life.
Better justice outcomes for our southeast community
In the past six months, our student-led criminal program has achieved a number of positive outcomes for clients, including:
- Two clients had all charges withdrawn by Victoria Police
- Eight clients received adjourned undertakings without conviction
- Six clients were granted a diversion, allowing them to avoid a criminal record
- Two clients had their matters found proven and dismissed, meaning no penalty was imposed
- One client received a complete waiver of more than $226,000 in fines, giving him the opportunity to start fresh
Each of these outcomes has a real and lasting impact on the person involved.
Reflections from our students
For students, the program is a rare opportunity to engage in genuine advocacy and client care. It is often one of the most formative experiences of their degree.
Allegra Fanourakis (CP1, 2025):
“Appearing as a student duty lawyer under supervision at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court was the most formative experience of my law degree. It sharpened my advocacy skills and deeply affirmed my passion for criminal defence. I found purpose in standing beside clients at some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives.”
Holly Samaranayake (CP1, 2025):
“The Criminal Law Advocacy placement at South-East Monash Legal Service has been the highlight of my law degree. I had the unique opportunity to build my advocacy skills and engage meaningfully with real clients. This experience deepened my passion for criminal law and reaffirmed my commitment to working in this field.”
Aayusha Lamichhane (CP1, 2025):
“What made the placement particularly rewarding was the level of responsibility we were given—directly supporting community members who may have faced serious consequences without legal representation. Throughout it all, we felt consistently supported by our supervisor, April, who encouraged our growth and guided us through each step of the process. ”
We’re looking for more criminal law networking opportunities
Our student-led criminal program is extremely competitive and has had exceptional results. Yet outside of corporate clerkships, professional development opportunities can be difficult for aspiring criminal lawyers to navigate. We’d love to find more opportunities for our students to meet other professionals working in criminal law.
If you work in criminal law, we would love to hear from you. To express interest, please email info@smls.com.au. We’re open to any number of opportunities, from education sessions, meet and greets, to hosting a networking event. Lawyers, barristers, case managers, project officers, lived experience advocates – all are welcome.
Together, we can improve justice outcomes while building the next generation of socially conscious lawyers.
