Leading law firm, Mallesons Stephen Jaques, in conjunction with the Ted Noffs Foundation, will launch a new legal service for young people on 29 November 2001.
The new legal service, ASK! A Legal Service for Youth, will initially operate once a week, from the head office of the Ted Noffs Foundation in Randwick, with a view to expanding to Parramatta in the New Year.
ASK! A Legal Service for Youth will be available to Ted Noffs Foundation clients as well as any young person aged 14 to 18 years of age who needs assistance in the following areas: criminal charges, debt, housing, social security, drug related matters, family law, victim’s compensation, AVOs, employment and referral service.
Amanda Noffs, General Manager, Ted Noffs Foundation identified some time ago that there was a gap in services provided for young people, hence was keen to expand the Foundation’s services to include free legal advice.
“I first realised about ten years ago that there was a need in the community that was not being met,” said Amanda. “That’s when I first thought of establishing a legal service for young people. It was not until early this year, when completing a Public Interest Advocacy Centre course run at Mallesons Stephen Jaques, that I was fortunate enough to get an insight to Mallesons Stephen Jaques’ pro bono philosophy and activities.
“The relationship between the Foundation and the firm has grown since then and indeed, Mallesons Stephen Jaques is supplying and training its solicitors to provide pro bono services for ASK! A Legal Service for Youth,” she said.
Mallesons Stephen Jaques, chief executive partner, Mr Tony D’Aloisio said the firm is excited to be involved in this important initiative. “Our partnership with the Ted Noffs Foundation extends our commitment to provide free legal assistance to needy members of our community and to the various organisations that assist them.”
The launch will be held at ‘Easts House’, the old Post Office building, 206A Alison Road, Randwick. The legal service will operate on Tuesdays from 5:00pm-7:00pm.