Transcript Homeless Persons’ Legal Clinic

SELF REPRESENTATION SERVICE (QCAT)
Induction 2010
QPILCH

Queensland Public Interest Law Clearing
House:
 Non-profit
community legal service
 Partnership – law firms, barristers, QLS, law
schools, CLCs
 Legal referral agency
 Direct assistance services – HPLC, RCLC, SRS
Self Representation Service



Service in Brisbane District and Supreme Courts
established in late 2007. Now also Qld Court
of Appeal
Established to meet recognised need – a public
interest issue
Continuing success of Service is clear
Expansion to QCAT
Similar service, slightly different impetus.
 Large multi-jurisdictional tribunal conducts
matters in a way that is “accessible, fair, just,
economical, informal and quick”.
 Estimated 35,000 people involved in
proceedings each year.
 Outcome of proceedings will often have serious
consequences on the welfare, dignity and daily
living of people involved.

Scope of Service








Child protection and education
Anti-discrimination
Guardianship and administration
Right to information and information privacy
Manufactured homes
Residential tenancy
Retirement villages
QCAT Appeals
Who? Where? How?

Eligibility for assistance:
 Means
 Merit

Level 11, Bank of Qld building, Queen St.
 Office
space
 Interview room

Appointment based
 Applications
for assistance received and assessed
 Appointments made and files created
Insurance: QPILCH

QPILCH professional indemnity policy
 Solicitors
must hold a practising certificate
 Solicitors must comply with QPILCH policies
and procedures
Before appointment session

Client and Case Summary
 Conflict
check
 Overview of client’s matter
 Outline of assistance required

Firm responsibility to keep commitment to
appointment sessions
At appointment session
Arrive at 1.50pm
 QPILCH lawyers, not firm lawyers
 A maximum of 3 client appointments
 Treat client the same as you would any
other client, but also be aware of client’s
particular needs
 Create record of appointment on file
progress and advice sheet

Assistance provided

Discrete task assistance to assist people to:
 understand
the law, their legal rights and the
perspective of the other party and perspective and
requirements of QCAT;
 observe QCAT rules and processes;
 be aware of potential orders and the effect of not
complying with orders; and
 present their case in the best possible manner.
After appointment session

Inform QPILCH staff:
 Of
any queries or concerns about clients’ matters
 Whether clients require ongoing assistance/a
further appointment – the best option for further
assistance
 Of any urgent follow up work that needs to be
undertaken, or referral that needs to be made (eg.
for representation through QPICLH referral scheme)
Law Reform, training and other
involvement

Policy/law reform - reflective of casework

Training

Walk for Justice May 17, 2010
Questions?
QPILCH contacts
QPILCH www.qpilch.org.au
Coordinator: Andrea de Smidt
Email: [email protected]
Solicitor: Allira Thompson
Email: [email protected]
Paralegal: Sam Boyle
Email: [email protected]