Environmental Rights Clinic
On the first Friday of every month, the Centre for Environmental Rights runs an Environmental Rights Clinic, providing free environmental legal advice to communities, community organisations and non-government organisations that are not in a position to afford private legal advice and who seek to exercise and defend environmental rights.
In our experience, often what is most needed is one consultation with a qualified attorney to give basic advice on applicable legislation, and identifying and recommending options for further action. The aim of the Clinic is to provide this one consultation, and to empower Clinic clients to undertake such further action on their own as far as possible. However, where we come across a case that is important and has precedent-setting potential, and complies with all of our Case Selection Criteria, we may consider formally taking on the case as attorneys of record.
The following rules apply to the Clinic:
- The Environmental Rights Clinic is staffed by at least one qualified attorney with experience in environmental law.
- Consultations will take place on the first Friday of every month. Consultation sessions will last a maximum of 90 minutes, and will start at the following times: 9:30, 11:00, 13:30 and 15:00.
- Consultations can take place at the Centre’s offices in Observatory, or by telephone.
- Generally speaking, you can attend a Clinic appointment on a once-off basis, but follow-up appointments may be scheduled if we deem it to be essential.
- In accordance with Law Society requirements, and as read with our Case Selection Criteria, the person or organisation requesting advice may not able to:
- afford to engage the services of private environmental attorneys; or
- reasonably access the resources required to engage such services (this last requirement particularly applies to non-government organisations).
- The request for advice must relate to matters of environmental concern and the advancement of the right to an environment that is not harmful to health or well-being including participation in environmental decision-making, illegal activities causing degradation to the environment, protection of sensitive ecosystems and species.
If you would like to participate in this Clinic and think that you comply with the requirements set out above, please complete and email us the Appointment Request Form.
Who qualifies for the Centre’s services?
Generally speaking, not everyone qualifies for the free legal advice and representation of the Centre for Environmental Rights. In accordance with Law Society requirements, and as read with our Case Selection Criteria (see below), the person or organisation requesting advice may not able to:
- afford to engage the services of private environmental attorneys; or
- reasonably access the resources required to engage such services (this last requirement particularly applies to non-public interest organisations).
What types of cases qualify?
Not all cases qualify for the free legal advice and representation of the Centre for Environmental Rights. The requirements for cases that the CER will consider taking on are set out in our Case Selection Criteria.
Private attorneys specialising in Environmental Law
If you do not qualify for the Centre’s free legal services, the Centre can refer you to the following reputable private attorneys with expertise in environmental law: