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New specialist criminal law teams up and running
Date : 17 Mar 2011
Four new specialist teams are up and running, forming Criminal Law Melbourne, known previously as the Criminal Law Division, Victoria Legal Aid.
‘The new Advocacy, Sexual Offences, Indictable Crime, and Appeals and Strategy Teams will better position us to respond to the increasing complexity of criminal law, and the creation of specialist teams, lists and courts by prosecution agencies and courts,’ said Saul Holt, Director of Criminal Law Services.
‘They join our existing areas of specialist criminal law practice in Youth Crime, Social Security and the Public Defenders Unit.’
A fact sheet on the specialist criminal law teams that support our Criminal Law Program is available to download below.
Purpose of the specialist teams
The purpose of these teams is to provide leadership and support our Criminal Law Program in their areas of specialisation across Victoria.
‘With more than 150 criminal lawyers working from 17 locations across the organisation, they support the largest criminal defence practice in Victoria. We represent more than one third of legally-aided clients,’ said Mr Holt.
‘We have also taken the opportunity to more deliberately align our resources to focus on our most vulnerable and disadvantaged clients. Lawyers with expertise in the issues and interests of priority client groups will work across the four new specialist teams.’
This includes clients who:
- have mental health issues
- have an intellectual disability
- are from a culturally and linguistically diverse background
- are in custody
- are experiencing homelessness.
‘These teams and our increased organisational focus on our most vulnerable and disadvantaged clients will ensure the highest quality representation for legally-aided clients, and continue our contribution to the fair and effective operation of Victoria’s criminal courts,’ said Mr Holt.
Related pages
Our programs – Criminal law program
More information
| Specialist criminal law teams fact sheet - PDF, 191.0kb Includes contact details for our specialist crimimal law teams that support our Criminal Law Program. |