Volunteering at PILCH provides law students and graduates with an insight into the many facets of the legal system and profession, while focussing on the practice of public interest work and the provision of access to justice for disadvantaged members of the community.
PILCH offers the following Volunteer oppotunities;
Ongoing - One full day a week or fortnight between the months of March to May and August to October.
Winter Interns - A 2 week block between the months of June to July.
Summer Interns - A 2 week block between the months of November to February.
Student Placements - 1 day a week for 12 weeks as part of a subject at a member university. This is usually undertaken during the university semester while undertaking the subject.
Fellowship - A 2 week block as an extension of a clerkship undertaken at a member firm. This can be undertaken at any time throughout the year. (Refer to fellowship program tab for more information).
Volunteers are involved in many aspects of the day to day work at PILCH. They may be asked to assist with:
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the review of files and matters for referral, including the preparation of memoranda and briefs;
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the preparation of PILCH newsletters and the Annual Report;
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research and production of special publications;
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organising special events, such as seminars for the legal community;
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observation of clinics attended by the Co-ordinator of the Homeless Persons' Legal Clinic; and
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assisting the Coordinator with administrative tasks.
To date, the recruitment of volunteers has relied on word of mouth, PILCH's presence at university career fairs and the initiative of the individual students. Former volunteers speak warmly of their experiences at PILCH and PILCH cultivates their continued involvement with public interest pro bono work by inviting them to seminars, ensuring they receive PILCH publications and encouraging them to participate in PILCH's fundraising and social events.
To become a volunteer at PILCH, please send us your resume and a brief covering letter, addressed to our Coordinator.