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Our Vision
The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) is a proud organisation that has served the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities of Victoria for over 48 years. We believe in a future where these communities are empowered to access justice, achieve equality, and reach their full potential.
Our Values
Our core values guide our work:
- Respect: We value and acknowledge the rich culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- Empowerment: We believe in working with communities to identify and address their unique needs.
- Equity: We strive to remove barriers and promote equal access to justice for all.
- Collaboration: We value working in partnership with other organisations and communities to create lasting change.
Our Services
VALS offers a diverse range of legal and non-legal services across several key areas:
1. Family & Domestic Law
- Advice and support with family law issues, parenting matters, and domestic violence.
- Assistance with child protection matters and kinship care arrangements.
2. Civil Law & Human Rights
- Advocacy on issues such as tenancy disputes, consumer rights, and discrimination.
- Assistance with debt recovery and consumer complaints.
- Representation in civil litigation involving breaches of contract or negligence.
3. Criminal Law & Advocacy
- Representation in criminal courts and bail applications.
- Advocacy for better policing and prison conditions through our Wirraway program.
- Support for victims of crime and their families.
4. Community Legal Services
- Providing access to justice through legal education workshops, community legal clinics, and outreach programs.
- Partnering with other organisations to deliver legal services in remote and regional areas.
5. Special Programs & Support
- Balit Ngulu program for young people.
- Disaster Recovery service to assist with legal needs after emergencies.
- VPer program for online referrals and legal information.
Our Commitment
VALS is dedicated to providing culturally appropriate and accessible legal services that meet the specific needs of the Aboriginal community. We are committed to working in partnership with communities and advocating for systemic change to address the underlying causes of inequality and empower our clients.
Overall Experience
The reviews highlight a mixed bag of experiences with the law firm, ranging from excellent service to disappointing encounters.
Positive Experiences
Some reviewers had an excellent experience with the law firm, praising their professionalism, quality of service, and responsiveness. They appreciated the helpful advice and guidance provided by the staff, with some even stating that they trust the firm 100%.
Staff Performance
The staff were commended for their great job, with one reviewer mentioning that all staff members they interacted with were excellent. A specific lawyer, Martin Doyle, was praised for his knowledge and education, delivering great results in criminal matters related to racial abuse.
Negative Experiences
On the other hand, some reviewers had negative experiences, citing rudeness, lack of responsiveness, and unprofessionalism. One reviewer felt that their Aboriginality was not acknowledged or respected, which created a significant drawback. Another reviewer had a poor experience with their case, which took two months to receive bad news on a simple matter.
Criticism and Concerns
Some reviewers expressed concerns about the firm's resources, with one mentioning that they are highly under-resourced. Another reviewer was disappointed with the CEO's behavior, which led to them being removed from their position.
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