Shoalcost Legal

Free Legal Advice & Information

Shoalcoast provides free legal advice and casework services to disadvantaged individuals and groups who are unable to afford a private solicitor. We give priority to matters which involve particular disadvantage; for example, those which involve women and children exposed to family violence and those which affect indigenous clients. We do not advise in some other areas of law such as taxation, commercial and property matters. See our guidelines www.shoalcoast.org.au/shoalcoast-guidelines.html for more details.

Telephone Advice

Tuesday and Thursday 10am – 12 noon

4422 9529 or 1800 229 529 (Ulladulla to Eden)

Face to Face Advice

Face to face appointments can be made if you are unable to speak to a solicitor by phone. Our office hours for clients are Mon, Tues, Thurs & Friday 9am-12.30 & 1.30-5pm

Far South Coast Outreach

We visit towns between Ulladulla and Eden at least once a month. Please contact us for details of our next trip and make an appointment.

Casework Services:

Due to the Centre’s limited resources and the high demand for its services, we provide legal representation only in certain circumstances. These tend to be matters which involve family violence, promote systemic reform and/or have important legal issues involved.

The following case studies show the types of advice and assistance we provide:

After one of our workshops on the Far South Coast a 74 year old Elder from a remote and isolated community asked one of our solicitors for some assistance.   The Elder had herself previously made an application for outstanding employment entitlements under the GEERS scheme (General Employee Entitlements and Redundancy Scheme – run by government).  She’d received an amount of $50 and she was well outside the usual appeal period. Our solicitor was successful in applying for leave to appeal outside of time and then put in a detailed entitlement claim.  She was successful on all grounds and the Elder’s claim increased from $50 to $6,300 in employment entitlements.  Our client shed some tears over great outcome!

Unfair Dismissal Claims – Far South Coast

Another client on the Far South Coast was dismissed from his job for no good reason.  We prepared an unfair dismissal claim, statements etc for him and prepared the client to self represent (client had wonderful verbal skills but lacked written skills).  Industrial Relations Commission decision went client’s way and he awarded compensation amount he was very happy with -  but what was most important for this client was that he had his day in court.  In fact client happily told us that after court he was told by a court worker that if he wanted to give up his day job, he should go to law school and become a lawyer!!

Another Unfair Dismissal Claim - Shoalhaven area

SCLC advised and assisted client lodge Fair Work Australia unfair dismissal case.  Client achieved compensation payment of 2 months which is good result given she was only off work for 1 week before securing new job.  Client happy with result.

Motor vehicle accident

Client involved in motor vehicle accident (partially her fault).  SCLC  prepared defence to file in court and letter to other party’s solicitors making representations for them to discontinue with action.  Other party withdrew action and client sent SCLC some flowers!

Stolen Wages Claims

SCLC has continued to receive notification of successful Stolen Wages Claims especially a number for Stolen Generations Members.  There has also been some success on appeal on one unsuccessful claim.  We hope to receive word of many more successful claims before the end of 2010 when all claims are expected to be finalised.