South-East Monash Legal Service operates Victoria’s first supervised student criminal law duty lawyer program. Through this innovative model, clients receive legal assistance from law students undertaking professional placements under the supervision of experienced criminal law practitioners.
The service provides advice and representation in appropriate matters involving:
The program expands access to legal assistance while also providing practical training opportunities for emerging lawyers. Eligible clients may be referred to our Narre Warren office for ongoing casework support in criminal law and family violence matters.
“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.”
We operate Monday through Friday at the Melbourne Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
The Family Advocacy and Support Service (FASS) provides free, short-term legal assistance to people involved in family law proceedings who are affected by family violence, including both victim-survivors and alleged perpetrators.
FASS is an integrated, multidisciplinary service that combines legal assistance with specialist support. Alongside a lawyer, clients may also receive support from family violence practitioners and mental health workers to help address safety, wellbeing and other practical needs.
The service can assist with:
Through its wraparound model, FASS helps people experiencing family violence to access both legal assistance and broader supports, improving safety, participation in court processes and longer-term outcomes for families.
We work with schools in the southeast to help young people understand their rights and responsibilities, as well as access legal help.
Our lawyers are embedded in maternal health clinics to provide mums with legal help in a private and confidential setting.
We help victim-survivors of sexual assault and family violence navigate the justice system with integrated legal and social work support.
We provide free and affirming legal help for LGBTQIA+ people, delivered by LGBTQIA+ lawyers.
We support women across Victoria who are experiencing family violence and living on temporary visas or with uncertain visa status.
Supported Connected Integrated Programs (SCIP) connects clients with lawyers, social workers and community services to provide holistic support and improve access to justice.
