Early last week (11 November), three law firms collaborated on a clinic to finalise visa applications for over 20 refugee students.
In a partnership between law firms and Skill Path Australia, an education pathway program was held at Albert Arthur’s Sydney office and Maurice Blackburn’s Melbourne office. The program was conducted with the involvement of pro bono lawyers and paralegals to assist refugee students in finalising their visa applications for the Refugee Student Settlement Pathway (RSSP), whose visas are expected to be approved by 30 June 2025.
Hannah Dickinson, special counsel at Russell Kennedy, highlighted the importance of pro bono work in making a change for people in need – promoting access to justice and helping build community, an impact that she said was “deeply rewarding”.
The program provided a “quick, effective and achievable pathway to come to Australia and pursue higher education”, said Maurice Blackburn special counsel Nicki Lees. These clinics involved over 30 Maurice Blackburn staff, and each student was assigned a law practitioner to guide them through the Australian visa process.
Lees commended the clinic’s structure, impact, and the collaboration between Maurice Blackburn, Russell Kennedy, and Albert Arthur Lawyers to “create the best program possible”.
The clinic was a “refreshing change of pace” to property development, said lawyer at Russell Kennedy, Cameron Flanagan, adding it helped young people “find justice” and start a new life in Australia. Another property lawyer at the same firm, Taylor Dawson, said: “The two students I have worked with have a bright future ahead of them, and I’m proud to have been able to help.”
A small amount of legal assistance was shown through this clinic to be able to change the course of someone’s life, Albert Arthur Lawyers associate Susanna Tun said. Tun added that assisting these students gave her a “renewed sense of purpose and motivation”.
Chief executive at Skill Path, Steph Cousins, said the clinic allowed refugee students to “gain confidence and peace of mind knowing their applications are being prepared correctly”, allowing students to receive concentrated support every day, opening education pathways and a settlement opportunity.
Carlos Tse is a graduate journalist writing for Accountants Daily, HR Leader, Lawyers Weekly.
