Lavan recognises its professional and ethical obligation to provide access to justice for those in need who cannot access the legal system without incurring significant financial hardship.
We believe that access to legal advice and legal services is a fundamental human right, and this underpins our approach to our pro bono work.
Lavan are a signatory to the Western Australian Pro Bono Services Model and therefore have a national pro bono target of 35 hours of pro bono legal services per lawyer, per year and encourage all lawyers to engage in pro bono work as part of their daily practice.
Pro Bono Team
Lavan have a formal pro bono legal practice, which enables our lawyers to contribute their expertise to assist people in need and ensures our pro bono clients experience the same levels of service as our commercial clients. Through our pro bono practice, we work with individuals and organisations that support people who cannot afford to engage a private lawyer and who do not qualify for legal aid.
Our pro bono practice is led by a full-time dedicated pro bono coordinator, which enables our pro bono work to be managed in a more strategic and impactful way. The pro bono coordinator, supported by the firm’s partnership, encourages and procures the pro bono matters throughout the firm on a daily basis.
Our Focus
Our pro bono legal practice focuses on issues that impact the day-to-day lives of our pro bono clients, through both casework for individuals and advocacy work for structural change in order to make greater social impacts.
Lavan is currently focusing on pro bono services in the following four areas:
However, our pro bono legal services are not limited to these groups or areas.
A key strategic direction of our firm continues to be to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses and individuals to gain access to justice and appropriate and relevant legal representation. We actively seek to assist and address issues relevant to reconciliation through legal work on a pro bono basis.
Our pro bono practice is at the forefront of delivering culturally appropriate and innovative legal advice to help Indigenous businesses grow. We have provided advice to more than 61 Indigenous businesses and individuals in the last few years. It is our goal to double these figures in FY24/25.
We have also sent our staff to remote communities across Western Australia to offer Indigenous families and entities legal support.
Pro Bono Achievements for 2024
In July 2024, Lavan was delighted to report that the firm exceeded its pro bono target for the 2024 financial year. This achievement confirms that we are committed to our professional obligations, and we continue to give legal assistance to persons who would not otherwise be able to access legal assistance. Our work with social initiatives reflects our commitment to driving systemic change that benefits vulnerable communities and all Australians.
We strongly value collaboration and partnering with community organisations to build their capacity and the impact of their work. Our pro bono work complements our community program, and we aim to build deeper and holistic community partnerships that incorporate legal and non-legal support. We also foster the development of pro bono culture and collaboration across the WA community sector. For more information please email – ContactUs@lavan.com.au
* Please note that Lavan only assists individuals where Legal Aid or a Community Legal Centre cannot assist. Therefore, if you need legal help, please contact Legal Aid or your local Community Legal Centre first. Community Legal WA has an online tool to help you find a Community Legal Centre, as well as links to legal information resources. Legal Aid also has legal information on their website. Law Access can also assist with finding pro bono legal help for individuals and not-for-profit organisations.