Support for aspiring solicitors in regional Queensland

Further incentives will be offered under a Queensland Government-supported program to attract law graduates to start their legal careers in a regional law firm, Attorney-General Kerry Shine said today.

Mr Shine said the Regional Solicitor Program administered by Legal Aid Queensland was open to law graduates who have completed or are about to start a professional legal education or training course for admission as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland.

Mr Shine said under the program Legal Aid Queensland offers to pay the costs of practical legal training course fee and 75% of your wage. The other 25% will be met by the placement regional law firm.

"Legal Aid Queensland is considering a further financial incentive for solicitors who remain employed with a firm in their placement region for a minimum of three continuous years," Mr Shine said.

"I welcome any further financial incentives to assist regional firms to attract and retain staff."

Mr Shine said since the Regional Solicitor Program started in 2004, 25 solicitors have taken up two-year placements with firms in regional and rural areas under this program," Mr Shine said.

"Centres like Charleville, Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Mackay, Gympie, Innisfail, Dalby, Mount Isa, Proserpine, Charters Towers, Gladstone and Cairns have benefited."

Mr Shine said under the program, an employment contract was entered into between the applicant, the regional law firm and Legal Aid Queensland for a period of two years.

"After this period it will be up to both you and your firm whether you stay on for a further period," Mr Shine said.

"The primary focus for those staff handling your firm's legal aid cases under the supervision and guidance of the placement law firm," Mr Shine said.

"This invaluable assistance for people who are starting a career in law, and it is particularly important for those firms in regional and rural communities having difficulty employing staff."

6 July 2007
Media contact: Kirby Anderson (Mr Shine's office) 3239 6400 or 0418 197 350