Volunteers are the lifeblood of Marrickville Legal Centre – their dedication enables us to connect even more people in the community to justice. Vollie Vox is a campaign dedicated to showcasing and interviewing one excellent volunteer a month.
This month we’re celebrating Clémence Motsch, who has volunteered with Marrickville Legal Centre as a Legal Assistant since March earlier this year. Clémence was nominated for her reliability, her politeness, the quality of her intake work, and her enthusiasm in allowing newer volunteers to shadow her.
What inspired you to start volunteering at MLC, and what keeps you coming back?
I started volunteering at MLC because I wanted to learn more about the Australian legal system and how a community legal centre operates, while also contributing to improving access to justice. As someone who studied law in France, I was eager to see how legal assistance is delivered in a different jurisdiction and to develop practical experience in a client-facing role.
What keeps me coming back to MLC is the possibility to contribute through meaningful work and to speak with clients from different backgrounds. Each client has their own story, and each matter involves different areas of law, which gives me the opportunity to learn more about the Australian legal landscape. I also really appreciate the supportive environment at MLC. I have learned a lot from the solicitors and supervisors, and volunteering at MLC is one of the most rewarding parts of my time in Australia.
How do you feel your role makes a difference for our clients and community?
As the first point of contact for people seeking legal help, I often speak with clients who are under stress, and navigating the legal system can be overwhelming for them. My role as a legal assistant allows me to listen to people facing difficult situations and, by identifying their legal issues, I direct them to the appropriate solicitor or support service so they can receive legal advice. I have found that actively listening and showing empathy can make a real difference during that first interaction. Moreover, I feel that my role helps ensure clients receive the support they need as quickly as possible. This helps reduce uncertainty for clients and contributes to making legal assistance more accessible and efficient for the community.
What skills have you gained while volunteering at MLC?
I have learned a lot while volunteering at MLC. This experience has strengthened my communication skills and increased my confidence working professionally in English as my second language. Through conducting client intake interviews, I have also become more detail-oriented and developed my ability to identify key legal issues from a client’s explanation, even when the facts are initially unclear. The role has taught me to ask specific questions, assess what information is legally relevant, and communicate it clearly so that solicitors can later provide effective legal advice. Finally, working in a legal system different from the one I studied has reinforced my ability to adapt quickly to new legal frameworks.
What’s something that surprised you when you first started volunteering at MLC?
When I first started volunteering at MLC, I was surprised by how supportive and patient the supervisors were while I was learning. Even when mistakes happen, they take the time to explain how to improve in a constructive and encouraging way. I was also struck by how approachable and welcoming everyone is, from fellow volunteers to the solicitors. It creates a genuinely positive workplace, and one that I look forward to being part of every week.
How would you describe MLC to someone thinking about getting involved?
I would describe MLC as a welcoming and rewarding place to volunteer. By being part of MLC, you have the opportunity to make a positive difference for people facing legal issues while developing your communication and client-facing skills. Volunteers are trusted to conduct client intake interviews, giving them real hands-on experience while always being supported by experienced supervisors. It also provides valuable exposure to the Australian legal system.
Volunteering at MLC has been one of the highlights of my time in Australia. I am very grateful for the opportunity to learn from experienced legal professionals in such a supportive environment.
