Profile: Jacqueline Wainwright, our winter intern

Jacqueline Wainwright, our UNSW Winter Intern, tells us why she chose to work at the Centre.

I am in my final year at UNSW and am studying a Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice and Law. Throughout my degree I have been exposed to various miscarriages of justice, most of which stem from a lack of access to justice. Marginalised and disadvantaged individuals often find it difficult to access justice where they do not have sufficient funds to seek out legal representation which has the potential to significantly impact their matter’s outcome.

This is why I think pro bono work is so important in our society and the reason why I was excited to do my part in advocating for the cause through this internship. I hope to practice in the criminal law field upon completion of my degree and endeavour to do pro bono work in the future to increase access to justice across Australia.

It would be my hope that one day, pro bono work will be compulsory in every law firm in Australia and further a prerequisite to renewing practicing certificates. Giving back to the community is so important and pro bono work is an area in which lawyers can use their expertise and skills to do so in a meaningful way.