At HopgoodGanim we understand the importance of making meaningful contributions to the community, and helping those in need. In addition to our community sponsorships and volunteer work, we provide legal advice on a pro bono basis through a number of formal partnerships and programs.
LawRight (formerly QPILCH) is “an independent, not-for-profit, community-based legal organisation coordinating the provision of pro bono legal services for individuals and community groups in Queensland.” LawRight is founded on a partnership of various law firms, barristers, the Community Legal Centres Queensland, the Queensland Law Society, the Queensland Bar Association, Legal Aid Queensland, university law schools, accountancy firms and government and corporate legal units.
LawRight receives funding from the State and Commonwealth Governments plus philanthropic contributions from universities and from their member law firms around Queensland. HopgoodGanim Lawyers has been a member of LawRight since February 2016.
LawRight can provide referrals for individuals and not-for-profit community groups to firms and barristers for pro bono assistance. These referrals are for people who can’t afford a lawyer and where the case justifies pro bono assistance. Priority for the LawRight services is given to those with the greatest hardship and who cannot obtain legal aid.
In addition to our role as a member law firm, HopgoodGanim receives direct referrals for pro bono files from LawRight. In addition to referrals, HopgoodGanim is also on the roster to provide assistance to individuals representing themselves in Federal Court. Once a month lawyers from our Brisbane office attend the services for a three hour period.
“Our LawRight membership is an integral part of who we are at HopgoodGanim Lawyers. We place a high importance on participation in the service across the firm.”
“The difference we are making in people’s lives through our pro bono work is immense.”