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A growing number of law firms across Australia are integrating allied professionals like social workers and counsellors into their legal practice, according to new research.
The clichéd line in the movies is, ‘I’m calling my lawyer!’ But trying to navigate the legal system can feel less like a courtroom drama and more like a nightmare.
Michael* found himself in this very situation last year after experiencing elder abuse. After undergoing surgery, his wife and adult son moved him out of the family home against his wishes and into a hotel. He was isolated from family and friends, verbally abused by his son, denied access to his possessions and ultimately denied the care and support he needed for recovery.
Having access to social support allowed Michael to first resolve what he called “the messiness” of his situation (including past trauma and family conflict) in a holistic way that provided counselling and mental health support. That support meant Michael was better able to work with his lawyer to navigate the complexities of elder abuse law.
LSJ research on these socio-legal partnerships found that at least 67 integrated programs currently exist in Australia – and this number is growing. They focus on issues such as elder abuse, family law, youth law, criminal law and tenancy problems.
*Not his real name