We depend on volunteers, particularly law student and graduate volunteers, to meet the demands of the number of clients seeking help. Waitakere Community Law Service primarily works with the University of Auckland Law School’s Equal Justice Project.
Volunteers work with the lawyers during our morning clinics. Most clients are seen by 1 lawyer and 1 new volunteer. Some clients may be seen by a volunteer acting under the supervision of a WCLS lawyer, or by approved volunteers alone.
Volunteers are allocated to clinics through a roster system. Usually, volunteers have one or two rostered days per fortnight. Volunteers will be required to attend from 9:30-12:30 Monday to Thursday for the Henderson clinic, and from 10:00-1:00 on Mondays for the Northcote clinic.
If you are interested in volunteering please see our prospectus produced by WCLS and Equal Justice Project.
Equal Justice Project
Equal Justice Project (EJP) is a student-run, non-profit organisation which was established to promote access to justice in Auckland. EJP achieves its goals by promoting voluntary legal work by law students in partnership with community groups and the profession.
WCLS and EJP recognised their common interest and have thus formed a partnership whereby EJP students have supported the work of WCLS by volunteering at WCLS legal advice clinics.
EJP Contacts:
If you are interested in volunteering at WCLS while you at Auckland University please contact Stephen Parry – 021 039 0284
Maori and Pasifika Law Students
WCLS is keen to encourage and support Maori and Pasifika law students to volunteer at the Law Service. Many of our clients are from the Maori and Pasifika communities and feel more comfortable being seen by someone from their own community. WCLS therefore works directly with the Maori and Pasifika Law Students Associations at the University of Auckland.
Te Rakau Ture – Maori Law Students Association
Contact: te_rakau_ture@yahoo.com.au
Pacific Islands Law Students Association (PILSA)
Contact: pilsa@auckland.ac.nz
Other Volunteers
WCLS is also indebted to our long term volunteer, Valma Henry. She comes in every Friday morning to update, order and tidy our wide range of brochures, and file our completed client files. In addition, she cares for our many indoor plants, keeping them healthy and ensuring they continue to beautify and humanise our working environment.
WCLS Christmas function with staff and volunteers, Outhwaite Park, Grafton, December 2009
