legal service
About the SSAA Legal Service
The SSAA Legal Service provides confidential legal advice to students at the Swinburne University of Technology. This advice is free for all Swinburne students.
The service encourages and supports students in solving their own legal and related problems. As we aim to provide advice to as many students as possible, ongoing legal assistance in individual cases is not normally available.
The assistance provided by the service is different from legal aid, which is dispensed under the guidelines of the Legal Aid Commission.
Appointments
Legal advice is by appointment only. Students must present their current student card when attending their first appointment. Advice is not initially given over the phone.
To make an appointment, please contact your SSAA reception between the hours of 9am-5pm Monday-Friday, either in person or by phoning 9214 5445.
Please note that the solicitor is only available from 2pm - 5pm on Thursday’s, Friday’s and every second Wednesday for consultation (consultation is via skype).
The Legal Service maintains a collection of self-help pamphlets, and has contact numbers for all referral agencies.
We can help you with:
Intellectual Property
We can provide you with Intellectual Property advice regarding your thesis or other creative work.
Victims of crime
If you have been a victim of crime, we can assist you in contacting the relevant agencies, police and in completing the paperwork for compensation claims.
Summary criminal offences
If you are charged with a minor criminal matter (speeding fines, public transport ticket infringements or exceeding the 0.05 blood alcohol limit) and opt to represent yourself, this Service can assist you with preparing to attend the Magistrates Court.
Family law
You can obtain general advice on family law issues, including divorce, de facto relationships, child support and the rights of children.
Indictable Offences
If you are charged with a serious offence (such as fraud, possession of drugs or theft), this Service can arrange to deliver a brief to counsel on your behalf. However, barrister’s fees for your representation at court must be paid directly to the barrister.
Motor vehicle collisions
This service does not conduct litigation in motor vehicle accident matters, but will attempt to settle claims on your behalf. We can advise on liability issues and payment options.
A standard form ofletter-of-demand is available.
Powers of attorney and wills
We provide advice and preparation of powers of attorney and basic wills.
Further advice includes:
• employment;
• freedom of information; and
• neighbour disputes.
Other issues
We regret that this Service cannot give assistance in the following matters:
student vs student;
student vs Swinburne University; and
student vs University of Swinburne Student Amenities Association.
Disclaimer: The Legal Service information within this website provides general information only. This information is not a substitute for obtaining legal advice. The Legal Service does not accept liability for any action taken that is based on information provided by the website or for any loss suffered as a result of reliance on this information. If you would like advice regarding a specific problem, please contact the Legal Service.
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