Five students from UQ’s TC Beirne School of Law are involved in a world-wide project organised by Advocates for International Development (A4ID), a UK-based legal group committed to international pro bono work.
The project involves researching information for a global computer database, the International Directory of Legal Aid Services.
Co-Director of the UQ Pro bono Centre Mr Paul O'Shea said following the successful completion of a similar project in October, the Centre is undertaking more work for A4ID.
"Last month five students researched the availability of legal aid services in 10 countries in the South Pacific region for entry into the A4ID International Directory of Legal Aid Services computer database and the new project will require similar student assistance," Mr O'Shea said.
"A4ID is a London-based organisation which aims to further the United Nations Millennium Development Goals by facilitating the provision of free legal advice and assistance to those in need around the world.
"This is a wonderful opportunity for UQ law students to become involved in international pro bono work."
The UQ Pro Bono Centre launched an on-line student roster in July to link student volunteers with law firms, barristers and community legal centres to assist them in their pro bono activities.
Mr O'Shea said 170 student registrations were received within the first three weeks and the A4ID project was one of a number of pro bono projects which had requested School of Law student assistance from the Centre.
“Students have also been involved in pro bono work for the Caxton Legal Centre Seniors Legal Service, policy work for Caxton's submission on tasers, case work for Queensland Advocacy for clients with disabilities, helping assess a backlog of cases for the Queensland Public Interest Law Clearing House and assisting the Social Security Appeals Tribunal with case management.
"Students work for no reward and do not receive academic credit. Pro bono, in Latin, means 'for the good' and it's good for the community, good for the clients, good for the students and good for UQ.”
Media:
Mr Paul O’Shea, Co-Director UQ Pro Bono Centre, 07 3365 6614, p.oshea@law.uq.edu.au
Lynda Flower, School of Law Marketing, 07 3365 2523, l.flower@law.uq.edu.au
