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Immigrants and asylum-seekers find help through Salvos Legal

7:41pm Friday, 12th August 2011

Suzanne Schokman

When the Salvos launched their new commercial law firm, Salvos Legal, immigrants and asylum-seekers were first off the rank seeking free legal services.

In fact, this group forms the bulk of cases represented by Salvo Legal, set up to provide free legal advice and representation to people in need. Funding for the operation comes from commercial legal services offered by a team of 90 full-time and volunteer staff.

“We encourage companies or individuals looking for first class legal services at a market competitive rate to consider Salvos Legal, knowing that the fees paid are used to help those less fortunate in times of crisis,” says Managing Partner and founder, Luke Geary.

Humanitarian services offered also include criminal law, family and children’s law, welfare, debt and housing law.

The NSW Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Greg Smith, officially launched the service and new business model at a ceremony at NSW Parliament house last week.

Since the soft launch in December 2010, Salvos Legal’s 2,100 caseload has greatly outstripped the 750 cases it managed in 5 years under an earlier business model.

Five firms now operate in Sydney, with another opening at Lakemba next Tuesday, and one planned for Queensland in early 2012.