Brockovich, who famously constructed a 1993 case again Pacific Gas and Electric Company in California without any legal training, will join Shine Lawyers as a consultant

She said she wanted to work with the firm as a means to answer the hundreds of calls and emails she has received from Australians wanting her help.

"Together we will take on the tough cases and help right the wrongs for every day Australians," she said in a statement released yesterday.

[UPDATE]

When asked about the public reaction to his firm's coup, Shine Lawyers executive director Stephen Roche said he was in the dark.

"It's all very exciting. I haven't heard [the reaction], I've been in a training seminar all morning, but she [Brockovich] caries a lot of clout all over the world so nothing would surprise me."

Roche spoke with Lawyers Weekly this afternoon, confirming the agreement and said Shine Lawyers was excited to expand its ongoing relationship with Brockovich.

"We've known Erin Brockovich for about two or three years, she's spoken to our firm on a previous tour to Australia," he said.

"Since that time we've fostered that relationship there [has been] a natural affinity between our firm and her, because we both believe in justice and fighting for justice and she's tenacious, dogged and determined - and that's what our firm is about."

Brokovich will operate as a consultant at the firm. When asked about the practicalities of working with the US-based lawyer, Roche said Brokovich's extensive travelling and commitment to mentoring meant she would have ongoing interaction with the firm.

"Over and above that, we've formalised a working relationship with her that will continue indefinitely," Roche said.

Shine lawyers travel regularly to the US for litigation matters, representing Australian citizens who have been exposed to hazardous substances produced by foreign corporations.