O'Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors has agreed to provide pro bono legal representation to Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory by way of secondments with the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA) in Alice Springs.
Due to a number of factors, NAAJA is experiencing an unprecedented criminal defence lawyer shortage, especially Aboriginal lawyers, particularly in Alice Springs. This results in many Aboriginal Australians having to appear before court without representation. Alice Springs is a culturally rich town, but it has experienced high levels of social issues, resulting in the police arresting high volumes of people. As a result, there are many people living in Alice Springs who need legal assistance.
Our criminal and civil lawyers can help with a wide range of cases. For example, civil issues such as unlawful arrest, unfair detainment, or assault by a police officer. Additionally, our lawyers will help those arrested for criminal charges.
Our experience working in the Northern Territory
Our two most senior lawyers, Peter O'Brien and Stewart O'Connell, both have a decades-long history of working with and for Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory. Both lawyers have also worked previously with NAAJA.
Aboriginal Australians need for legal representation
We are grateful to have the opportunity to provide quality legal representation to Aboriginal Australians and assist the legal system in the Territory during this difficult time. The experience will also benefit our younger lawyers, giving them the opportunity to work in a culturally rich, and very challenging environment.
Need for private legal representation in Alice Springs
Studies show that those that can afford legal representation are far more likely to obtain good outcomes in court. Furthermore, people who do not have the resources to hire a criminal defence lawyer may turn up to court unprepared. As a result, they may have to represent themselves.
Therefore, they may not have the court and legal knowledge to present their case in the best possible light. Consequently, judges might not fully understand their situation. Worse yet, they may be unaware of their right to appeal a court's decision if it is unjust.
This is why it is so important that all Australians have access to legal representation.