Purpose

Harmers recognises that the employment context can give rise to cases of gross injustice and human rights abuse. Given the legal expertise and resources which Harmers can utilise, we are in a position to redress many cases of injustice and abuse which may be underserviced by a union or other legal representatives.

Harmers considers that the legal profession has a moral and a social responsibility to provide what assistance it can to persons otherwise unable to access representation.

Harmers allocates 5% of its budgeted fees to pro bono and concessional work.

Pro Bono Committee

Where a solicitor considers a matter to be potentially suitable for pro bono status, the matter is submitted to the Pro Bono Committee. The Committee will give consideration to the following criteria in determining whether or not to confer pro bono status upon a matter.

• whether pursuing the matter on behalf of the prospective client will be in the public interest;
• the merits of the prospective client’s case as put forward by TL/solicitors responsible;
• access to financial resources of the prospective client having regard to the likely costs in conducting the matter
• availability and viability of alternate representation (for example, unions, pressure groups);
• availability of firm resources;
• opportunities for training/education of junior solicitors.

Examples of pro bono assistance provided by Harmers

NSW Council of Social Service - The firm was asked by NCOSS to provide detailed advice in relation to a directive from the Department of Health that all public sector employees working in health care would be required to undergo criminal record checks. The firm’s advice was provided to approximately 75 non-government organisations.

Public Interest Advocacy Centre - The firm recently drafted the contract for the Chief Executive of the National Pro Bono Resource Centre which is a joint initiative of PIAC and other pro bono organisations.

In addition to the above, the firm regularly assists individuals who have been unfairly treated and who otherwise would not be able to afford the services of the firm.