Extra $5000 incentive for aspiring solicitors in regional Queensland

A $5000 incentive will be offered to aspiring solicitors working in a regional law firm under a Queensland Government-supported program, 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.

Addressing the Central Queensland Law Association at Yeppoon today, 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 has decided to offer a $5000 incentive for those participating in the scheme that remain employed with a firm in their placement region for a minimum of three continuous years," Mr Shine said.

"I welcome the further financial incentive to assist regional firms to attract and retain staff."

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 of two years, it is up to both the participant in the scheme and the regional firm whether they stay on for a further period. If the participant does an extra year, they will be eligible to apply for a $5000 payment," he said.

Mr Shine said since the Regional Solicitor Program started in 2004, almost 30 solicitors have taken up two-year placements with firms in regional and rural areas under this program.

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

"The primary focus for those staff handling the regional firm's legal aid cases under the supervision and guidance of the placement law firm. 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."

11 August 2007
Media contact: Kirby Anderson 0418 197 350
kirby.anderson@ministerial.qld.gov.au