Citizens Advice of England and Wales has given the most comprehensive picture of people’s need for legal assistance during the pandemic anywhere in the world in its ‘Life Through Lockdown’ report. It contains an invaluable snapshot of the time – ‘More than half of the people who came to us for help between September and … Continue reading Charting the Pandemic
It is a bit hackneyed to say that data is the new oil. This usually refers to its commercial value – amply demonstrated by the digital behemoth that is Google. However, in public policy terms data may more be new oil in terms of a lubricant that calls for a re-engineeering of services from information … Continue reading If Data is the New Oil, Dispute Advice and Resolution Needs a New Engine
Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) is responsible for the provision of legal aid throughout its state. I will admit to a personal bias in its favour because when I first visited its Melbourne headquarters in 1991, the staff were incredibly open and proud of what they were doing – even offering me the director’s temporarily vacant … Continue reading The Legal Aid Authority and the Virus: the experience of Victoria Legal Aid
We need to consider the impact of Covid 19 on the legal profession and the delivery of legal services. And in this, just as in the physical transmission of the disease, the underlying weakness of the body politic will play a major part. For us as individuals, this is not a good time to suffer … Continue reading The Legal Profession and Legal Services after Covid 19: an access to justice perspective
Ontario has over 70 community legal clinics. Around 50 are general with geographical catchment areas that, in total, cover the whole Province and 20 or so are specialist centres. Under Ontario’s state of emergency declared on March 17, all are included as ‘professional and social services that support the legal and justice system’ and thereby … Continue reading Ontario’s Community Legal Clinics and Covid 19: just when you thought it was safe to go back into the water