Lawyers representing children involved in legal proceedings now have updated resources to support them in providing the highest quality of legal representation.

President of the Law Society of NSW Jennifer Ball said the 5th Edition of the Representation Principles for Children’s Lawyers, contains valuable new considerations for practitioners which aims to support best practice in legal assistance for children across NSW.

“Our publication of this specialised resource for lawyers representing children in criminal law, family law, and care and protection matters, recognises that children require skilful legal advice and support to navigate legal proceedings that affect them. I’m especially pleased that this resource is being published in the 50th year since the Law Society pioneered a scheme to provide legal representation for children,” Ms Ball said.

“The principles include encouraging practitioners to meet as early as possible with children they represent, and to make their communications child-focused and compassionate. Importantly, children should be given the opportunity to express their views on legal matters that will affect their lives.” 

The latest edition of this publication is informed by expert lawyers on the Law Society’s Children’s Legal Issues Committee. The Indigenous Issues, Family Law and Criminal Law Committees also provided vital insight along with children’s law experts from Legal Aid NSW, the Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) Limited and senior academics in children’s law and psychology.

The Fifth Edition contains two key updates:

• A new chapter called Representing Indigenous Children, which recognises that additional principles may apply to the representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, and 
• Enhanced information on representing children in criminal proceedings. 

Ms Ball also welcomed the important contributions of children and young people, who provided their own invaluable insights into their experience of legal proceedings and thoughts on their legal representatives. 

“Each chapter of the Representation Principles concludes with quotes from young people about their experience with their lawyer and legal proceedings.” Ms Ball said. 

“These frank, and sometimes confronting, comments demonstrate the critical role lawyers play in ensuring children involved in legal proceedings are heard and supported as they navigate what can be a distressing, confusing or isolating experience.” 

The Representation Principles for Children’s Lawyers is an evolving document.  The Law Society welcomes feedback and further input for future editions, especially from children and young people. 

MEDIA CONTACT:
Damien Smith | Director, Media and Public Relations 
The Law Society of New South Wales
M: +61 417 788 947 | E: Damien.Smith@lawsociety.com.au