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The Bar

Victorian Bar’s Pro Bono Platform backed by state government

The Victorian Bar’s Pro Bono Platform has received government endorsement, with Attorney-General Jill Hennessy expressing her gratitude to local barristers.

November 25, 2019 • By Emma Musgrave
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Victorian Bar office

Source: vicbarmediation.com.au/about/

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The Pro Bono Platform enables the Supreme Court, County Court and Coroners Court to make targeted pro bono referrals directly to barristers.

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“Court officers will use the new platform to facilitate referrals, and will nominate the relevant practice area, describe the scope of the request and provide the court documents to the barrister,” according to a statement provided to the media.

 
 

“Requests will be sent through via email alert to all relevant barristers or to a specific barrister.

“Barristers will be able to view and accept requests, view documents, upload files and track their pro bono work through the platform, helping reduce administrative time.”

The Pro Bono Platform replaces the  Duty Barrister Scheme. It is intended that approximately 2,100 current practising Victorian Bar members will participate in the platform, doubling the number of participants who took up the Duty Barrister Scheme.

“The new platform will allow the courts to more efficiently refer matters to barristers for pro bono services, ensuring we’re continuing to focus efforts on access to justice for those most in need,” Attorney-General Hennessy said.

“I am grateful to barristers who are committed to providing pro bono legal services for those in the community who do not have the financial means or specialised knowledge to fight for their rights.”

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Emma Musgrave

Emma Musgrave

Author

Emma Musgrave (née Ryan) is the managing editor, professional services at Momentum Media.

Emma has worked for Momentum Media since 2015, including five years spent as the editor of the company's legal brand - Lawyers Weekly. Throughout her time at Momentum, she has been responsible for breaking some of the biggest stories in corporate Australia. In addition, she has produced exclusive multimedia and event content related to the company's respective brands and audiences. 

Prior to joining Momentum Media, Emma worked in breakfast radio, delivering news to the Central West region of NSW, before taking on a radio journalist role at Southern Cross Austereo, based in Townsville, North Queensland.

She holds a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) degree from Charles Sturt University. 

Email Emma on: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

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