News
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Farewell dear friend - the Hon. Philip Cummins AM. Chair of the Victoria Law Foundation 2009 – 2014
It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of the Honourable Justice Philip Cummins AM. Chair of the Victoria Law Foundation 2009 – 2014
Bendigo students get a Headstart for Legal Studies
Bendigo students and educators discuss their experience with the Headstart program
The Laramie Project - the American true crime story coming to Melbourne
A play that explores a true crime murder of a gay student in 1990s America raises questions about the adequacy of current Victorian laws around hate crime.
New campaign to tackle sexual harassment announced at Legal Laneway Breakfast
Over six hundred members of the legal fraternity came together for Victoria Law Foundation’s annual Legal Laneway breakfast in the CBD’s Hardware Lane.
2018: the VLF in transition
It’s been a busy and highly successful year at the VLF, with many changes. As we come to the end of 2018, we thought it would be useful to summarise the developments which could affect you.
Our Grants program is changing
Our grants program has long supported projects that have a significant impact on the lives of Victorians and the way they understand and use the law.
From 2019 we will take a new approach to grants, reflecting our focus on civil law and research.
December latest news | Victoria Law Foundation
Our December newsletter is now available.
Free coffee and free legal advice: Expresso Legal hits the streets in Whittlesea
Lawyers from Whittlesea Community Connection are taking their coffee van, Expresso Legal, to markets, schools and libraries in the Whittlesea area.
Helping young people understand the rules about sexual consent and sexting
Now available: New video resources for teens with an intellectual disability, or on the Autism spectrum, on the topics of sexual consent and sexting.
November latest news | Victoria Law Foundation
Our November e-news is now available.
VLF announces 2018/19 General Grants
Victoria Law Foundation is pleased to announce this year's General Grants.
Is Sport Playing by the Rules? Victoria Law Foundation presents The Law and You Forum
On Wednesday 24 October Victoria Law Foundation presented The Law and You Forum at Federation Square, the second in our annual series exploring an intriguing area of the law.
This year’s topic, Is Sport Playing by the Rules? provoked insights on how sport’s separate legal ecosystems - with different rules, courts, judges and sanctions - compare to general legal standards and processes.
Research Director appointed
Victoria Law Foundation announce the appointment of a Research Director to lead new research function.
The VLF Board expands
The VLF Board expands to eight members with two new appointments.
What to do when your partner dies?
The Council on the Ageing Victoria (COTA) have produced a new practical guide for partners and family on how to deal with the death of a partner.
Sport and the law: Associate Professor Kate Seear’s twin passions
For a few years, Kate Seear had been part of a group of six women regularly messaging each other about sport, particularly the social and political issues in the AFL.
But as women and passionate footy supporters, the group was often dissatisfied with the way sport stories unfolded in the media. Even though women were often the subject of discussions and controversies, it didn’t feel as if they were involved in the conversation.
Is Sport Playing by the Rules? Victoria Law Foundation presents The Law and You Forum
Sport is an integral part of Melbourne’s psyche, but we don’t often question the way sport governs itself.
October e-newsletter is now available
Our October e-news is now available.
What is Confident Commuter?
Our Grants program supports outstanding work by community organisations helping Victorians navigate the justice system. One such project is Confident Commuter.
September e-newsletter is now available
Our September e-news is now available.
Watch the 2018 Law Oration
Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Kate Warner AC, Governor of Tasmania delivered the 2018 Law Oration in the historic Banco Court at the Supreme Court of Victoria. Over 130 people attended on a cold Melbourne night to hear about by Her Excellency’s research, including the Victorian Juries Sentencing Study.
August e-newsletter is now available
Our August e-news is now available.
Changes at the Foundation
Recent changes in legislation and function mean some important change at the Victoria Law Foundation
Facing up to forced marriage in Australia
You might think that forced marriage was only a problem in the developing world, but it also happens in Australia. Red Cross Australia have created three videos to help explain this issue and what you can do if you know someone who needs help.
July e-newsletter is now available
Our July e-news is now available.
Victoria's legal system
Confused about how the Victorian legal sector works? The new edition of Victoria's legal system can help.
June e-newsletter is now available
Our June e-news is now available to read online.
Plain language at the Foundation
Following a review of our plain language training, we are making some changes to the way that the program is delivered for 2018/19.
Victoria Law Foundation welcomes its new role within Victoria's justice system
Victoria Law Foundation welcomes the passing of legislation that will add a research function to its existing work programs under changes to the Justice Legislation Amendment (Access to Justice) Act 2018, which passed the Legislative Council in the Victorian Parliament yesterday.
Victorian State Coroner Sara Hinchey: Shining Light on the Coroners Court
State Coroner Sara Hinchey shines a light on the Coroners Court and its inner workings during Law Week.
Law in the digtal era: What goes into creating investigative podcasts?
Listen to this one-off podcast to hear from the people behind TRACE (Rachael Brown) and Phoebe’s Fall (Richard Baker), together with ABC Radio National’s The Law Report (Damien Carrick), as they discuss the intricacies and hurdles in producing an investigative podcast in today’s legal landscape, and how this format can raise public awareness of law enforcement and the justice system.
Court Network ⎼ Transforming your day in court
Going to court can be stressful, especially for those who are vulnerable, representing themselves or attending court for the first time. Court Network, a service delivered largely by volunteers, is helping to make that experience better. We spoke to Melanie Heenan, Executive Director of Court Network, to find out more about its role in Victorian courts.
May e-newsletter
Our May e-news is now available to read online.
Youthlaw - making a difference to young lives
If you were a young person facing legal problems, where would you go for help?
April e-newsletter
Our April e-news is now available to read online.
The old High Court - a colourful character at 90
The old High Court in Melbourne is celebrating it's 90th birthday. This Q&A explores the colourful history and historical significance of the old High Court building on Little Bourke Street.
March e-newsletter is now available
Our March e-news is now available to read online.
New website is just the ticket for public transport users
A new website dedicated to helping public transport users understand their rights is just the ticket for Victorians. On Thursday 22 February, Liberty Victoria’s Rights Advocacy Project (RAP) launched Confident Commuter, a website that helps people understand their options when faced with ticket inspectors and a myki fine.
February e-newsletter is now available
Our February e-news is now available to read online.
New directions announced at the Legal Laneway Breakfast
On 7 February, sunny skies and more than 550 members of the legal fraternity opened the 2018 legal year at Victoria Law Foundation’s annual Legal Laneway Breakfast in Hardware Lane.
December e-newsletter is now available
Our December e-news is now available to read online.
Sir Zelman Cowen Oration by Dame Hazel Genn
What would a justice system look like if it put citizens at the centre? This was the theme of the recent Sir Zelman Cowen Oration by Professor Dame Hazel Genn, a distinguished UK academic whose research looks at people’s everyday legal needs and how the system can be more responsive.
General Grant 2017/18 recipients announced
New LGBTIQ community legal service to open in Victoria with record grant funding.
November e-newsletter is now available
Our November e-newsletter is now available to read online.
The Law and You Forum: Perspectives on voluntary assisted dying
A recap of the inaugural The Law and You Forum, discussing end-of-life decisions for the terminally ill.
October e-newsletter is now available
Our October e-newsletter is now available to read online.
Juries and social media: not like peaches and cream
Posting on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter is usually harmless fun. But one place where you must resist the lure of social media is when you are called up for jury service.
September e-newsletter is now available
Our September e-newsletter is now available to read online.
August e-newsletter is now available
Our August e-newsletter is now available to read online.
FineFixer: a new service to help Victorians manage parking and traffic fines that came to life with a foundation grant
FineFixer is a new online tool to help Victorians manage parking and traffic fines. Developed with a grant from Victoria Law Foundation, FineFixer was launched last week and aims to help people take action on their fines sooner to avoid them escalating.
July e-newsletter is now available
Our July e-newsletter is now available to read online.
Appointment of new Executive Director of Victoria Law Foundation
The Victoria Law Foundation has announced a new Executive Director.
June e-newsletter is now available
Our June e-newsletter is now available to read online.
The quality of legal information resources in Victoria - a review
We recently reviewed the quality of the best 1500 legal information resources available to Victorians.
Farewell from our outgoing Executive Director Joh Kirby
This month Joh Kirby will conclude her 11 year term with Victoria Law Foundation. She reflects on how dramatically the legal sector has changed during this period and what the future may bring for the sector and the foundation.
Response to the Access to Justice Review
Victoria Law Foundation's response to the Access to Justice Review.
The importance of Law Week
See what the guest speakers had to saw about Law Week 2017 at this year's official launch at County Court.
May e-newsletter is now available
Our May e-newsletter is now available to read online.
Explore the law during Law Week (15–21 May 2017)
Law Week will be bigger than ever in 2017 with a record number of events to be held across Victoria, all aimed at helping people explore the law in informative, fun and entertaining ways.
April e-newsletter is now available
Our April e-newsletter is now available to read online.
March e-newsletter is now available
Our March e-newsletter is now available to read online.
French demands respect for the rule of law
Legal drama unfolding in the United States around US President Donald Trump’s bid to restrict immigration has prompted retired High Court Chief Justice Robert French to make pointed comments about the importance of respect for the law.
February e-newsletter is now available
Our February e-newsletter is now available to read online.
'Rights and Freedoms and the Rule of Law' - Law Oration 2017
In his first speaking engagement since retiring as the Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia, The Honourable Robert French AC will present on the topic, 'Rights and Freedoms and the Rule of Law' when he delivers the 2017 Victoria Law Foundation Law Oration on Thursday 9 February.
Attorney-General addresses record crowd at 2017 Legal Laneway Breakfast
Victoria Law Foundation is pleased to have once again hosted this year's Legal Laneway Breakfast. This year around 550 members of the legal fraternity mingled in Hardware Lane to welcome the opening of the legal year.
Comview 2016
Victoria Law Foundation was once again delighted to participate in the annual Comview Conference, organised by the Victorian Commercial Teachers Association, held on the 28 and 29 November 2016.
General Grant 2016/17 recipients announced
Congratulations to our General Grants recipients for 2016/17. We are pleased to announce that we awarded five grants for projects aimed at helping people better understand the law.
Applications now open for our internship program
Victoria Law Foundation’s internship program aims to give current Victorian law students an understanding of our work to improve legal literacy and access to legal services in Victoria.
Read our 2015/16 Annual Report
The Victoria Law Foundation’s 2015/16 annual report was tabled in Parliament on Thursday 27 October 2016. This is the first annual report under our new strategic plan which commenced this year and ends in 2020/21. This report reflects on our achievements for 2015/16.
Victoria Law Foundation presents at Comview 2016
Education Manager, Fabiola Superina will be presenting at Comview 2016, the annual conference of the Victorian Commercial Teachers Association held each November. Last year, over 790 teachers attended over two days. The Comview program is always diverse with a wide range of presenters from across the legal sector.
Victoria Law Foundation participates in research on online legal information
Victoria Law Foundation together with Fitzroy Legal Service, Victoria Legal Aid and the Victorian Civil & Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) are participating in a Monash PhD study into the uses and usefulness of online legal information for the Victorian public. The research aims to suggest a framework to better align legal information resources with user needs
Foundation welcomes Access to Justice report
Victoria Law Foundation welcomes the release of the Victorian Government’s Access to Justice Review report.
Grants program sows the seeds of success
A recipient of a Victoria Law Foundation grant has been nominated as a finalist in the prestigious film and media sector SAE ATOM Awards.
August e-newsletter is now available
Our August e-newsletter is now available to read online.
2016 Law Oration: Of Mozart, modern drafting and the criminal lawyers' lament
Media release – 2016 Law Oration: Of Mozart, modern drafting and the criminal lawyers' lament
July e-newsletter is now available
Our July e-newsletter is now available to read online.
Metropolitan Law Talks video now available
In response to requests from teachers, we're delighted that a video of our most recent Metropolitan Law Talks is now available online. Thanks to Centre for Innovative Justice – RMIT University for filming the event and as a result making it possible for Law Talks to reach even more students across Victoria.
June e-newsletter is now available
Our June e-newsletter is now available to read online.
Everyday-Law turns two!
It’s been two years since we launched Everyday-Law – our website that aims to improve Victorians’ access to the best legal information produced by organisations like yours.
Law Talks comes to Law Week
The third Law Week Metropolitan Law Talks took place on Monday 16 May. The day was a great success, with over 150 students from eight schools, including one from Bendigo, participating.
Join the Victorian Bar Community Choir
Join the Victorian Bar Community Choir. Learn more.
Attorney-General Martin Pakula to launch Law Week 2016 tonight
Media release – Victoria Law Foundation will hold a special event tonight to launch Law Week 2016 ahead of the week, which runs from 16–22 May across Victoria.
May e-newsletter now available
Our May e-newsletter is now available to read online.
April e-newsletter now available
Our April e-newsletter is now available to read online.
Welcome to our Law Week brand for 2016
This year's brand plays on the idea of exploring and navigating the maze of the legal system to solve your legal problem.
March e-newsletter now available
Our March e-newsletter is now available to read online.
Legal Laneway Breakfast brings together legal community
The rain did not stop more than 300 members of the legal sector coming together on Wednesday morning to celebrate the start of the new legal year at the annual Legal Laneway Breakfast.
February e-newsletter now available
Our February e-newsletter is now available to read online.
80,000 copies of Bike Law distributed across Victoria
Our latest publication for bike riders has proven to be very popular. 80,000 copies have been distributed across Victoria to local councils, police stations, bike shops and individuals since its launch in December.
Make sure your clients affected by bushfires know about Disaster Legal Help
Free legal advice, assistance and referrals are available to those affected by recent bushfires in the Otway Ranges in Victoria. Learn more.
Employment opportunity – Business and Finance Manager
We have a rare part-time vacancy for the position of Business and Finance Manager. Applications close 5:00 pm Monday 1 February 2016. Learn more about the role.
General Grants recipients announced
Congratulations to our General Grants recipients for 2015/16. We've awarded more than $170,000 to nine diverse legal education projects aimed at helping people better understand the law.
December e-newsletter now available
Our December e-newsletter is now available to read online.
Comview Conference 2015
Comview is the annual conference for legal studies and commerce teachers, and is organised by their peak body the VCTA (Victorian Commercial Teachers Association). This year, Comview ran over two days on Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 November.
Legal Reporting Awards
Victoria Law Foundation will no longer deliver the Legal Reporting Awards from 2016.
Applications now open for our internship program
Kick-start your career in the legal sector with an internship at Victoria Law Foundation.
November e-newsletter now available
Our November e-newsletter is now available to read online.
October e-newsletter now available
Our October e-newsletter is now available to read online.
September e-newsletter now available
Our September e-newsletter is now available to read online.
Community Legal Centre Fellowship
The Community Legal Centre Fellowship was offered by the foundation for ten years between 2006 and 2015.
Regional Law Talks – Improving students’ understanding of the law
As part of Victoria Law Foundation’s Law Talks program, over 300, Year 11 and 12 rural VCE Legal Studies students, from five schools will get the unique opportunity to learn from retired judges and legal practitioners at Mildura Senior College on 26 and 27 of August.
Employment opportunity – Projects and Plain Language Officer
We have a rare vacancy available for the position of Projects and Plain Language Officer. Applications close at 5:00 pm Friday 4 September 2015.
Law and Justice Funders Network
The Law and Justice Funders Network, hosted by the foundation in conjunction with the Reichstein Foundation, aims to share knowledge about legal sector issues and best practice philanthropy. The network facilitates information sharing, discussion around common funding priorities and the potential for joint funding.
August e-newsletter now available
Our August e-newsletter is now available to read online.
Our Education Program is expanding
It’s been an exciting couple of months for our Education Program. We’re pleased to share all the latest developments with you.
July e-newsletter now available
The Victoria Law Foundation latest news is now available.
Our new look: helping Victorians understand the law
From 1 July we have a new brand. Consistent with our new strategic plan our new brand focuses on our ultimate aim: Helping Victorians understand the law.
Plain language training now available for law schools
We’re pleased to announce that we are now offering training in plain language writing for Victorian tertiary law school students.
General Grants recipients announced
As part of our second 2014/2015 General Grants round, we've awarded more than $130,000 to six diverse legal projects that will help Victorians better understand the law and their legal system.
Everyday-Law wins prestigious ClearMark award in Washington DC
Our website Everyday-Law has won the prestigious American ClearMark award for Best Legal Document.
Legal Reporting Awards 2015 winners
Victoria Law Foundation last night recognised more than eighteen media professionals for excellence in legal journalism at the Legal Reporting Awards 2015.
Law Talks Intensive brings the law to life for students in Sale
Discussing legal issues with a retired Supreme Court judge or police powers with a Senior Constable is not your average activity for VCE Legal Studies students.
Chief Justice’s Medal awarded to University of Melbourne law student
Melbourne Law School Juris Doctor student Kate Fitzgerald has been awarded the 2015 Chief Justice's Medal for Excellence and Community Service.
Law Oration 2014 paper now available
The Honourable Justice Susan Crennan AC’s 2014 Law Oration on Magna Carta, common law values and the Constitution, is now available to read.
Card sorting – a great approach to building a better website
Elisa Berg, our Deputy Director and Manager Online Strategy and Publishing, talks about card sorting – and how you can use it to build a better website.
Attorney-General opens Legal Laneway Breakfast
At our Legal Laneway Breakfast, Victoria’s Attorney-General, the Honourable Martin Pakula MP, gave his first speech since assuming office.
Employment opportunity – Education Manager
We have a rare vacancy available for the position of Education Manager. Applications close at 5pm Friday 6 February 2015.
Disaster Legal Help available for those affected by bushfires
Free legal advice, assistance and referrals are available to anyone affected by recent bushfires in north-east Victoria or over the coming months. Read the media release from Disaster Legal Help.
Victoria Law Foundation Grant Recipients Announced
Victoria Law Foundation has awarded $108,295 to four diverse legal projects that will help Victorians better understand the law. Read the media release.
Community Legal Centre Fellowship Report released
St Kilda Legal Service's Jacinta Maloney has published her Community Legal Centre Fellowship report titled Community legal empowerment – the use of peer education as a tool for delivering community legal education.
Best practice in plain language
Our Executive Director, Joh Kirby, shares her highlights from the ICClear|Clarity 2014 conference held in Belgium.
Applications now open for our internship program
Victoria Law Foundation’s internship program aims to give current Victorian law students an understanding of our work to improve legal literacy and access to legal services in Victoria.
Entries are now open for our Legal Reporting Awards 2015
Entries are now open for the Legal Reporting Awards. The 2015 awards are being offered in twelve categories spanning print, radio, television, and online, as well as regional media and multicultural media.
Registration now open for Legal Laneway Breakfast 2015
Registration is now open for the Legal Laneway Breakfast 2015. Come along and celebrate the opening of the legal year at this relaxed breakfast held in Hardware Lane.
New human rights in three minutes video released
The Castan Centre for Human Rights Law today launched the first video in their Have you got that right? video series.
Our new website has landed
Today the foundation launched its new corporate website. The launch signals the end of an eighteen-month project to change the focus of the way the foundation communicates with its stakeholders and the community.
About the Chief Justice's Medal for Excellence and Community Service
You may have heard of the Chief Justice’s Medal for Excellence and Community Service. It is an award made by the Chief Justice each year to a graduating Victorian law student who demonstrates academic excellence in their legal studies and a commitment to community service.
Dogs, cats, neighbours and you: a new and updated guide
Victoria Law Foundation has launched a new edition of its popular guide to the law on owning a dog or cat in Victoria.
Magna Carta and common law debated at the 2014 Law Oration
Australian High Court judge, the Honourable Justice Susan Crennan AC, will tonight share her thoughts on the Magna Carta, common law values and the Constitution for the annual Law Oration presented by the Victoria Law Foundation and Melbourne Law School.
Victoria Law Foundation awards $130,000 to diverse legal projects
Victoria Law Foundation has awarded $130,000 in grants for four diverse legal projects aimed at helping people better understand the law
Asylum seekers, local communities, benefit from law student's community service
Media release – new Chief Justice's Medal awarded.
Law Week 2014 and Everyday-Law.org.au launched
Media release – the launch of Law Week 2014 and Everyday-Law
Help with fines for youth in Melbourne’s West
Media release – Sunshine Youth Centre supported by a grant from Victoria Law Foundation
What do I call the judge?
Media release – launch of new publication What do you call the judge?
Be recognised for excellence in legal journalism
Media release – Legal reporting awards open
Victoria Law Foundation's Legal Laneway Breakfast
Media release – Victoria Law Foundation's Legal Laneway Breakfast