What We Do
We provide support to grassroots workers facing legal issues that arise from their employment. Our work is to ensure grassroots workers have equal access to legal advice and support in the face of unfair treatment in the workplace. Beyond free preliminary legal advice, we ensure grassroots workers receive continued support to assert their legal rights, and demand fair treatment and compensation in labour disputes, workplace discrimination and work injury matters.
The Fair Work Clinic is a worker- centred community legal clinic
What makes us different:
Pre-Clinic Summaries Enhance Pro Bono Efficiency
Case summaries and research notes are completed before the clinic session, which helps save pro bono lawyers’ time in understanding the basics of a potential case. The pro bono lawyer can also offer more tailored and concrete legal advice for the service target upon having a greater understanding of the case and the relevant law surrounding the topic.
Thorough Case Follow-Up Ensures Continued Client Support
Case follow-through after the initial legal advice session. Our caseworkers will take notes at the advice session and help clients with next steps. If further legal advice or assistance is needed, we arrange further consultations for clients to meet with the same lawyer again.
Community Legal Clinics Provide Comfortable, Supportive Environment
Our legal clinic sessions are conducted in the community at our partner NGOs’ centres. Clients can meet with lawyers in a comfortable and familiar environment, with the support of trusted caseworkers and family members.
What To Expect
1. Identify Potential Clients
Our Clinic Caseworker identifies potential clients through internal referral, community outreach, or public promotion. The process begins with the Clinic Caseworker actively looking for individuals in need of legal assistance. This can happen through various channels:
- Internal Referral: The clinic might receive referrals from within its own network, such as from other caseworkers, departments, or organisations that collaborate with the clinic.
- Community Outreach: The clinic may reach out to local communities, hosting events or participating in community activities to find individuals who need legal support.
- Public Promotion: The clinic might promote its services through media campaigns, flyers, social media, or other public channels to make the public aware of the free legal services available.
2. Meet for Initial Information
Our team meets one-on-one with the worker to learn more about their story in a safe, respectful environment.
During this meeting, we:
- Listen to what happened in their own words
- Gather important facts, documents, or timelines
- Make sure the worker feels heard and supported
3. Screen Case
We assess whether the issue fits within our clinic’s scope, focusing on employment and labor-related problems.
Our screening process reviews the case to decide whether it falls within our scope, which usually includes:
- Unpaid wages
- Wrongful dismissal
- Injury at work
- Harassment or discrimination on the job
If the case doesn’t align with our services, we’ll refer them to another clinic or resource that’s better suited to help.
4. Prepare Case Package
If the case moves forward, we build a case file that sets both the worker and lawyer up for success.
Think of it as a briefing pack — clear, complete, and lawyer-ready. It includes:
- A timeline of events
- Relevant documents (contracts, payslips, etc.)
- Key legal questions
- Context that helps the lawyer understand not just the facts, but the person behind them
5. Pro Bono Lawyer Advice
Next comes the heart of our work: the legal advice session.
We match the worker with a volunteer lawyer and arrange a meeting in a comfortable, non-intimidating environment.
These sessions are:
- Free
- In-person
- Focused on real, actionable guidance
Many clients leave feeling a sense of clarity and relief for the first time.
6. Draft Summary of Advice
Legal advice can be overwhelming — especially if you’re hearing it for the first time.
That’s why after each session, we prepare a summary of the key points in plain language.
It covers:
- What the lawyer said
- What the worker’s rights are
- What actions they can take next
This document becomes a roadmap, helping them move forward with confidence.
Advocacy Services for Workers' Rights and Justice
At Fair Work Clinic, we provide comprehensive advocacy services to grassroots workers, ensuring their rights are protected and justice is served. Our team of experienced legal professionals offers representation and support in a wide range of legal matters, including employment disputes, discrimination cases, and wage theft.
Successful cases
Client satisfaction rating
Get Free Legal Support
Our team can help you understand your rights and connect you with a pro bono lawyer.
Just tell us what’s going on.