Wallumatta Legal, a low-fee, not-for-profit family law firm created by Macquarie University and DLA Piper, aims to bridge the justice gap for the “missing middle”—people who don’t qualify for legal aid but can’t afford private lawyers. Located at Macquarie University, the firm provides essential family law services, including divorce and family violence protection orders, to essential workers like nurses and teachers.
The firm also offers valuable hands-on experience to law students, helping them develop practical skills, engage with clients, and gain exposure to legal software. This experience has influenced some students, like Perri Hutchings, to reconsider their career paths and pursue law.
With a national shortage of family lawyers, Wallumatta Legal provides a crucial service while giving students an advantage in the job market. The firm is also hiring experienced family lawyers to supervise its clinic. Additionally, it embraces legal technology to streamline services, making its model both innovative and impactful.