Pro bono secondment allows Welfare Rights Centre to continue operation

In uncertain times for the community legal sector, the commitment of the pro bono sector to providing support to community legal centres has become even more important. The secondment by Henry Davis York of its Pro Bono Development Lawyer, Leanne Ho, to the Welfare Rights Centre to act as the Centre’s Principal Solicitor is one such example, which in this case has allowed the Centre to continue operating while it recruits for a new Coordinator/Principal Solicitor.

“The secondment of such an experienced lawyer from Henry Davis York to act as Principal Solicitor at this critical time for the Centre is a great example of how a targeted use of pro bono resources can make a huge impact on a community legal centre’s work. For the Welfare Rights Centre it has certainly saved us from a difficult staffing situation”, said the Centre’s Chair, Michael Raper.

Leanne, our former Senior Policy Officer, who had also previously volunteered and worked at the Welfare Rights Centre, was able to step into the role on an emergency basis when the Centre’s Principal Solicitor left the role at short notice.

The Centre’s Deputy Chair, Clancy King, who previously interned at the Australian Pro Bono Centre, currently works as a solicitor in the employment team at Gilbert + Tobin. She was also Gilbert + Tobin’s pro bono graduate lawyer.

“The experience of our board members has also been an incredibly valuable for the Centre, which is currently in the process of reviewing all its operations to ensure that it is in the best position possible to continue delivering high quality services to its disadvantaged and vulnerable clients,” said Mr Raper.

“The Welfare Rights Centre is most grateful to Henry Davis York for being so generous and flexible with its pro bono contribution.”

The Centre is currently recruiting for a new Coordinator/Principal Solicitor.

Those interested are welcome to discuss the position with Michael Raper (Chair) – 0419 880 001, or Clancy King (Deputy Chair) – 0499 111 817. Applications close on 2 June at 5pm.