We have a civil litigation program that can assist people with representation in civil proceedings in the Magistrates’ Court, VCAT and in other jurisdictions where required. Types of things we can help with include:

• Credit/Debt
• Consumer claims
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Enforcement
• Discrimination

We can help people with minor criminal matters, like property damage, traffic offences, theft and possession of illicit substances.

SMLS has been operating an Employment Law Clinic since 2015. We can help people understand and enforce their work rights, for example:

• Bullying
• Discrimination
• Sham contracting
• Underpayments and unpaid wages
• Unfair dismissal
• Sexual Harassment

Our family lawyers help people who find it difficult negotiating the complexities of the family law system because of their experiences of disadvantage. This may include poverty, language barriers, power imbalances in the relationship with their partner or the impacts of family violence.  

Our family lawyers can help clients identify the main issues in disputes and to understand the steps in navigating the legal system.

We can help with:

• Negotiating a parenting plan
• Provide assistance with property law disputes 
• Family dispute resolution
• Preparing applications to the Federal Circuit Court or Family Court
• Provide representation at hearings
• Assistance with Child Support arrangements

If you need advice about obtaining an Intervention Order or understanding your Intervention Order please contact us.

We provide a duty lawyer service at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court to assist people who are appearing in relation to an Intervention Order.

We also assist victims of family violence make a claim for compensation to the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT).

This includes;

• Debts and fines
• Discrimination
• Civil claims/disputes
• Police complaints
• Neighbourhood disputes
• Traffic matters
• Divorce
• Guardianship and Administration orders
• Powers of Attorney
• Centrelink issues
• Wills
• Tenancy
• Consumer matters

Integrated Services for Survivor Advocacy 

The Integrated Services for Survivor Advocacy (ISSA) program supports victims/survivors recover from sexual assault and/or family violence by supporting them to navigate the legal system.  

The recently renamed ISSA program is a 25 year old partnership between Springvale Monash Legal Service (SMLS) and the South Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault and Family Violence (SECASA). The program provides legal advice, assistance and representation to victims/survivors of sexual assault, and family members affected by the assault other than the offender. The service specializes in Applications for Assistance to the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal.

This Integrated Health Justice Partnership has operated since 1995. Lawyers work closely with SECASA counsellors providing legal advice, assistance and representation to victims/survivors of sexual assault and/or family violence.

The service is supported by SMLS staff, volunteers and Clinical Placement students from Monash University Faculty of Law. The clinic operates on a referral basis from SECASA. An SMLS community lawyer is also embedded into the SECASA team at the Dandenong Multidisciplinary Centre to provide on-site advice and legal assistance.

Young people face particular barriers to getting legal help. We have school lawyers as part of our Sporting Change Program at three schools in the South East, as well as outreach services at YSAS and Windana for young people who need legal help. Some of the most common issues that young people face are:

• Family Violence
• Issues with Centrelink
• Fines
• Employment law issues
• Getting in trouble with the police

We also have a Children’s Family Violence Duty Lawyer Service. This program provides a duty lawyer service at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on Fridays, to assist people who may be appearing in relation to an Intervention Order made on behalf of or responding for a child.