Australian lawyers are continuing to support bushfire victims as the crisis across Australia continues into 2020, the Law Council has said today.
In her first statement as President, Law Council of Australia President, Pauline Wright, offered her sympathy and best wishes to those directly affected by the fires.
"I can only imagine how difficult it would be struggling with the loss of loved ones, your home, your business, your farm, or your animals," Ms Wright said.
Ms Wright commended the support being offered to victims of the bushfires across the nations through referral services offered by law societies and bar associations, legal aid organisations, and community legal associations.
"The bushfires, sadly, are now having a devastating impact in every state in Australia," Ms Wright said.
"As a profession, we are uniquely placed to support victims as they require legal advice, and every lawyer should consider pro bono aid for those affected."
"It's heartening to see that so many individuals in the profession have stepped up with offers of pro bono assistance," Ms Wright said.
Victims of the bushfire can seek assistance by contacting the law societies and bar associations in their state or territory and legal aid services may be contacted via nationallegalaid.org. Community legal associations are available through naclc.org.au and Law Access NSW and WA may be contacted at lawaccess.nsw.gov.auand lawaccess.org.au.
For other ways to support the fire services or those directly affected by the fires, you can check the official RFS site at https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/news-and-media/general-news/how-you-can-help.
