Family law team Robert McCarthy, Vivian Galanis and PLT Jemima Ladha
Marrickville Legal Centre is committed to providing equal access to #JusticeForUsAll. In response to high demand for civil and family law services arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, MLC has welcomed a new Civil & Family Law solicitor who will support the immediate needs of our community.
Civil & Family Law solicitor Robert McCarthy will bridge the gap between MLC’s General Legal Service, which deals with civil, criminal and employment law issues, and the Family Law Service.
As part of the Centre’s no-wrong-door approach, clients who contact MLC can receive all the legal help they need in one place without risking the re-traumatisation of repeating a matter to multiple services.
The role is funded by a Legal Aid NSW COVID-19 grant due to a remarkable increase in demand experienced by both services since the start of the pandemic. Family law solicitor Vivian Galanis says,
“The value of having a civil and family position within MLC is that we can effectively allocate resources in order to ensure a more streamlined service.”
Robert was first introduced to the CLC sector as a volunteer solicitor at Marrickville Legal Centre.
“There shouldn’t be a price tag on justice,” says Robert.
“With family law, everyone needs help and assistance but may not have the requisite funds. It shouldn’t be the case that you can’t get legal assistance because you lack the funds.”
Describing his experience so far at MLC Robert shares,
“The first two days I was here was a nice change of pace because everyone at Marrickville Legal Centre wants to make a difference. It’s about the issues; not about having funds in trust before we can make a move. It’s about people who need help and about helping people here.”
Robert brings specialist expertise with his background in family law and legal experience in private practice.
Marrickville Legal Centre welcomes Robert to the team as we continue to strengthen our MLC’s position as a one–stop–shop for the legal needs of our community.
