Pro Bono

Individuals

McInnes Wilson Lawyers assists a diverse range of individuals in our communities, as demonstrated by a recent initiative that helped bridge the gap in access to justice.

McInnes Wilson recently undertook pro bono work to support a dedicated, single mother veterinarian navigating complex mental health challenges, in response to an application by the governing body questioning her fitness to practise. Through constructive dialogue with lawyers for the governing body, we reached an agreement that allowed her to continue her work while addressing her personal challenges.

Dr X, a foreign national and devoted sole parent, was facing significant financial and personal challenges, self-represented managing complex legal proceedings both with the governing body and in the Family Court. The strain of these matters was affecting her ability to fully engage with the process and maintain her livelihood. Within a short timeframe, senior litigation principal Mylton Burns successfully negotiated terms with the governing body before the matter was scheduled to be heard by QCAT, ensuring she could continue practising.

Our intervention played a pivotal role in ensuring Dr X could remain on the roll, avoiding further financial and personal hardship, and ensuring the community continues to benefit from her skills and kindness as a veterinarian.

This case highlights the importance of respectful and independent advocacy, demonstrating how the system can work effectively when supported by capable legal representation. While the practice of law is a business, it’s not just a business. We are proud of the positive outcome achieved in this instance.

For further advice on disciplinary matters or statutory prosecutions, contact MCW Principals Caitlin Connole on 07 3231 0409 or Mylton Burns on 3231 0625.

Legal Clinics

McInnes Wilson Lawyers has supported a diverse range of individuals in need by proudly assisting several community legal centres. This included staffing legal clinics and advice lines to help people who approached CLC's for help. Some of the CLC's their lawyers assisted included:

• Romero Centre Legal Clinic (assisting asylum seekers and associated community)
• Ronald McDonald House Charities SEQ Legal Clinic (assisting families of critically ill children)
• Caxton Legal Centre’s Consumer Credit & Debt Clinic (assisting people with credit and debt issues)
• LawRight’s Court and Tribunal Services legal clinic (assisting self-represented litigants navigate the court process)

Charities

The firm proudly supports a number of charities, including:

• Small Steps 4 Hannah (aimed at halting the cycle of domestic violence)
• Hope Starts Here (aimed at feeding and assisting homeless and disadvantaged persons)
• Winnunga Aboriginal Health Service (aimed at providing safe healthcare to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)
• Sony Foundation (aimed at assisting vulnerable and disadvantaged youth)