Order … Lawyer Craig Lynch works with disadvantaged clients from across the western suburbs. 60051
By Belinda Nolan
Based in Hampshire Rd, the Slater and Gordon practice provides legal services to residents from across Melbourne’s West.
A high proportion of their clients are people from multicultural and disadvantaged backgrounds.
In recent months the firm has noticed a spike in the number of clients seeking legal advice, particularly in the Sunshine office.
Lawyer Craig Lynch believes the rise could be attributed to a new program which provides clients with the opportunity to speak to a lawyer in their native language.
The firm employs lawyers fluent in Sudanese, Vietnamese, Arabic and Italian.
Mr Lynch said the firm had found that many refugees and migrants were reluctant to seek legal advice, fearing the consequences.
He said new arrivals were often wary of the Australian legal system, or had difficulty understanding their rights.
“Many of our clients come from overseas where English is not the first language,” Mr Lynch said.
“Unfortunately sometimes they are taken advantage of in the workplace but they are reluctant to come forward because they think it could jeapordise their position.”
Between 70 and 80 per cent of all cases handled by the firm involved personal injury claims, including compensation, Workcover and TAC.
“Every case is different but many of the cases we deal with involve people who have had accidents at work.
“We also get a few enquiries for public liability and family law.”
Mr Lynch said it was important for residents to seek legal advice.
“These problems should not be ignored.
“There are lawyers out there that speak their language and are receptive to cultural diversity.”
