Business Details
40 Years
experience
Free Legal Services in Launceston, Tasmania
Established in 1986, Launceston Community Legal Centre has been dedicated to promoting social justice by improving access to legal systems for vulnerable Tasmanians. We provide free legal assistance, support, and information, prioritizing individuals experiencing disadvantage. Our services span civil law, disability discrimination, welfare rights advocacy, family law, and employment law, supported by funding from Commonwealth and State Governments through the National Legal Assistance Partnership. Our team of experienced legal professionals and volunteers is committed to delivering exceptional client service while adhering to strict ethical standards. We operate under a strategic plan identifying five key focus areas for our operations, ensuring alignment with community needs.Through outreach clinics, community legal education, and partnerships, we aim to demystify legal processes and empower individuals to understand and exercise their rights. Our eligibility criteria prioritize those facing financial hardship or belonging to vulnerable groups, ensuring resources reach those most in need. We maintain transparency through annual reports and welcome client feedback to continuously improve our services. Our strategic partnerships and outreach programs extend our impact across Northern Tasmania, addressing systemic legal issues affecting disadvantaged populations.
Services
General Legal Advice
Welfare Rights Advocacy
Disability Discrimination
Employment Law
Family Law Services
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of combined legal expertise through experienced solicitors and advocates.
- Our government-funded model ensures free access to critical legal services for vulnerable populations.
- We provide tailored outreach programs across Northern Tasmania's rural communities.
- Our strategic partnerships enhance community legal education and systemic advocacy.
- We maintain strict client eligibility criteria to ensure resources reach those most in need.
What people say
Exceptional support
Professional expertise
Accessible services
Compassionate approach
Effective advocacy
Services
General Legal Service
Our General Legal Service provides 45-minute free consultations with solicitors for civil matters including restraint orders, consumer affairs, and small claims. We offer guidance on legal processes and appropriate referrals when necessary. The service helps clients understand their rights and next steps in various civil law contexts.
Welfare Rights Advocate
This service offers advice and representation for Centrelink-related issues, including appeals at Administrative Appeals Tribunals. We assist Northern Tasmanian residents with social security matters, providing expert guidance through complex government benefit systems and advocating for clients' entitlements.
Disability Discrimination Service
We provide free legal assistance for disability discrimination cases in employment, education, and accommodation. Our solicitors assess case merits, advise on legal options, and offer representation in appropriate cases, helping clients challenge unfair treatment based on disability status.
Employment Law Service
This service addresses employment law issues including unfair dismissal, pay disputes, and workplace discrimination. We offer advice, representation, and referrals for employment-related legal matters, with specialist support available through partner organizations like JobWatch for Tasmanian residents.
Family Law Service
Our Family Law Service provides free advice on divorce, parenting arrangements, and property settlements. We facilitate dispute resolution conferences and draft consent orders, focusing on children's best interests while offering community education about family law processes and protections.
People
Donna Bain
Chief Executive Officer
Leading our organization with over 20 years' experience in community legal services, Donna oversees strategic operations and service delivery across Northern Tasmania.
Jessamy Downie
Principal Solicitor
Managing legal operations with specialist expertise in civil law matters, Jessamy leads our solicitor team in delivering high-quality legal advice to vulnerable clients.
Ryan West
Deputy Principal Solicitor
Supporting legal service delivery with focus on employment law and disability discrimination cases, Ryan ensures effective client representation and team coordination.
Marion Whittle
Solicitor
Specializing in family law matters, Marion provides expert legal advice and represents clients in dispute resolution processes across Northern Tasmania.
Emma Smith
Welfare Rights Advocate
Focusing on Centrelink-related issues, Emma advocates for clients' social security entitlements and represents cases before administrative tribunals.
Questions
What areas of law do you cover?
We provide free legal advice in civil law, family law, employment law, disability discrimination, and welfare rights advocacy.
Who qualifies for your services?
Priority is given to financially disadvantaged individuals and vulnerable groups including Indigenous Australians, older people, and those experiencing family violence.
Do you offer after-hours appointments?
Yes, we have an After-Hours Clinic on Wednesdays from 5:30pm to 7:00pm at our Launceston office.
Can you help with drafting legal documents?
While we don't draft wills, we provide advice on legal documents and can assist with other document-related queries.
How do I make an appointment?
Contact us at (03) 6334 1577 during business hours to schedule a consultation with our legal team.
Do you serve rural communities?
Yes, our outreach program provides legal services to communities across Northern Tasmania through scheduled visits.