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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.
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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
QPILCH contacts QPILCH www.qpilch.org.au Coordinator: Andrea de Smidt Email: srs.qcat1@qpilch.org.au Solicitor: Allira Thompson Email: srs.qcat2@qpilch.org.au Paralegal: Sam Boyle Email: hplcadmin@qpilch.org.au
