Spotlight on partnerships: Barry Nilsson

Family law and family violence are major issues in our community that can have lifelong impacts. At Southside Justice, these areas account for 50% of our advice appointments. As the need for legal assistance continues to rise, many Community Legal Centres, including Southside Justice, are finding it challenging to respond to the increasing demand.  

Launched in 2023 and now entering its second year, our pro bono partnership with Barry Nilsson is an integral part of our family law practice. Most of our work in this area are referred to us through our community justice partnerships, including The Salvation Army and Maternal Child & Family Services. This collaboration greatly enhances our ability to deliver critical legal support to families in need, enabling us to effectively address the complex issues surrounding family law and family violence.  

80% of Southside Justice clients are women, and of those women, 82% are experiencing or at risk of family violence.  

Leeah Caverzan is the inaugural lawyer to participate in the partnership and shared: 

“After working as a legal administrator at Southside Justice while finishing my law degree, I was thrilled to receive a full-time job offer through Barry Nilsson’s support. As a values-driven lawyer, this partnership has empowered Southside Justice to provide vital family law services and offered me numerous learning and development opportunities. My relationship with Barry Nilsson has significantly boosted my confidence and knowledge as a lawyer.” 

The partnership provides mentoring and oversight from the Family Law team at Barry Nilsson, overseen by Principal Will Stidston. Will reflects:

“It is a great privilege to be working with Southside Justice and having an opportunity to provide a level of professional guidance to Leeah.” 

Our sincere thanks to Katie Swain, Stephen Somerville and Will Stidston and the entire Impact Project and Family Law teams at Barry Nilsson for their support of this important initiative.