The Housing Legal Clinic exists to provide pro bono legal advice to people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Queries can be directed to the Clinic Coordinator Bill Manallack on 0417535235.
About the Housing Legal Clinic
The Housing Legal Clinic was established by the Welfare Rights Centre SA in July 2006 with funding from the Department of Housing to: reduce the marginalisation of people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and reduce the number of public and private tenants at risk of eviction from becoming homeless, through the facilitation of their access to pro bono legal services.
Now in its second year, the Housing Legal Clinic (HLC) in has been given the thumbs up following an extensive evaluation by consultant Dr David Kilner. The Evaluation Report states “Overall, it is clear the establishment of the Housing Legal Clinic has been a transforming experience - for the clients, for the volunteer lawyers, for the centres which support the homeless and for the law firms providing pro bono services.”
In the clinic’s first year approximately $580,000 worth of pro bono service was created by four law firms. 253 clients made use of the service. In the second year, with five law firms at five legal clinics, it is estimated the project will generate a minimum of $770,000 worth of pro bono legal services for more than 600 clients.
The HLC is managed by the Welfare Rights Centre SA and operates through the provision of pro bono legal services to clients at five homelessness services located in Adelaide. The participating law firms are Minter Ellison, Thompson Playford, Kain C+C, Fisher Jeffries and Andersons. Criminal and Family Law assistance is provided by Michael Dadds and Associates and Johnston Withers. The host organisations are the Magdalene Centre, Byron Place Community Centre, the Hutt Street Centre, Catherine House and UnitingCare Wesley Port Adelaide Family and Support Services.
National Award 2008
The Housing Legal Clinic has won the 2008 Givewell Good Giving Guide Best Community Project award. Congratulations to the participating law firms, community welfare organisations and the Welfare Rights Centre.
Housing Legal Clinic
Locations and times
The Hutt Street Centre
258 Hutt Street Adelaide 5000
Mondays 10am to 12noon
Ph:8418 2500
Catherine House
Tuesdays 10am to 12noon
Ph:8232 2282
The Magdalene Centre
42 Carrington Street Adelaide 5000
Tuesdays 1pm to 3pm
Ph:8305 9389
Byron Place Community Centre
61 Byron Place Adelaide 5000
Wednesdays 10am to 12noon
Ph:8217 9600
Family and Support Services
58 Dale Street Port Adelaide 5015
Thursdays 5pm to 7pm
Ph:8440 2290
