Over two days in April, the Colin Biggers & Paisley Foundation partnered with YFS Legal to host wills clinics in the Logan area to assist members of the Amputees & Family Support Group Inc. and the Logan District Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Elders Group, providing essential legal services to clients who might otherwise struggle to obtain a will and other end-of-life documents.

These sessions marked the fifth and sixth clinics delivered through the ongoing partnership between Colin Biggers & Paisley and YFS Legal. The initiative is designed to reach vulnerable groups, particularly those with limited access to legal services and low rates of will-making. Although approximately two-thirds of Australians over 50 have a valid will,  this figure is significantly lower among Indigenous Australians and other marginalised communities. 

Our dedicated team of volunteers and solicitors, including Conor Sheridan, a wills, estates & succession expert, and Tamara Sims, Jack Kerin, Finian Whish, Victoria Knesl, Joel Beveridge, Jamie-Lee Davison, Jessica Meyer, Patrick Bevitt, and Jack Crossan, spent the two days engaging with the community of Logan. Through client interviews, the team gathered materials and information essential to drafting wills that reflected our clients' final wishes.

[L to R: Jack Kerin, Jess Meyer, Pat Bevitt, Finian Whish, Conor Sheridan, Tamara Sims, Lynda Tilley & Jack Crossan]

Joel Beveridge, a solicitor in the Property & Development team, who attended the Logan District Indigenous Elders Group clinic, said, 'It was humbling to participate in the YFS Legal Indigenous Wills Clinic in Logan and assist First Nations people in documenting their testamentary wishes. The experience underscored the importance of accessible legal assistance for all Australians, particularly our more marginalised community members.'

Victoria Knesl, a solicitor in the Planning, Government, Infrastructure & Environment team, said, 'The Logan wills clinic is a truly incredible experience that allows you to connect with members of the community, develop new skills in another area of law, and have the honour of being entrusted with sensitive personal information.'

Jack Crossan, a member of the Pro Bono & Responsible Business team, described the pro bono initiative as 'both interesting and inspiring. It was incredibly fulfilling to see the real-time impact of our interviewing and drafting efforts. Seeing the sense of relief our clients felt, knowing they could care for their families and other loved ones after passing, made for a profound experience.'

Over two days, our team drafted over 40 wills, with many clients also deciding to obtain enduring power of attorney and guardianship documents. The community was beyond pleased with the outcome. Candice Hughes, principal solicitor at YFS Legal, said:

'Your pro bono support makes such a tangible difference in the lives of many people in our community, who might not otherwise have access to this legal assistance.  Feedback from the community has been overwhelmingly positive.  
 
As always, we enjoyed working with your team.  We especially appreciate the time, expertise, and warmth your team brought to the clinic.  

I can't believe we have done six clinics together now!'

Our volunteers and solicitors did a phenomenal job, and here’s to hoping for many more clinics in the future.