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Legal Assistance

POLICY 97.01

That the Union offer three forms of legal assistance to members:

1. (a) Free legal assistance may be provided to members in matters, both civil and criminal, arising directly from their employment.
   
   (b) (i) If a charge is brought against a member for a matter arising directly from the employment situation, the Union is able to provide legal representation for the member.
   
   (ii) The Union Council reserves the right to make a determination to meet no costs or a proportion of costs based on the particular circumstances of the matter.
2. Subsidised legal assistance may be provided to members in relation to matters not arising directly from employment, but which could have a bearing on employment.

   This assistance can be provided for criminal matters which do not arise from the employment situation, but for which a conviction may lead to dismissal.

   The extent of the Union subsidy would be 30 per cent of legal costs. The Union's solicitor would provide a 25 per cent discount on fees as well.

3. Extended legal assistance be provided to members for matters which do not fall within the two categories above.

   
   In such matters, the Union would arrange a free half hour consultation with the Union's solicitors. The solicitors currently provide a 25 per cent discount on their fees charged for performing work for the member arising from this consultation.

General

1. Legal assistance will not generally be provided, however, where one member is in dispute with another member.
   
   The Union will arrange legal representation, if necessary, through the Union's solicitors.
   
   The Union is not responsible for any costs incurred privately by a member.
2. The Union will not meet legal costs where the member seeks advice without the Union's approval.
3. Legal advice is provided only by the nominated firm of solicitors or their nominated agents.