Inspired by a passion for social justice and access to justice, Vanessa Ryan has embraced volunteering as a way to make a meaningful impact while developing practical legal skills. Through her work with the Redfern Legal Centre and the Refugee Language Tutoring Program, Vanessa has gained hands-on experience supporting vulnerable clients, strengthening her communication skills and deepening her understanding of how the law affects marginalised communities. Her volunteering journey reflects a strong commitment to empathy, collaboration and community-focused advocacy.
What motivated you to start volunteering?
My passion for social justice law and access to justice inspired me to apply for a volunteer position at a community legal centre (CLC) as they provide such invaluable services across many areas of law to the community. I was also motivated to start volunteering as it provides a great opportunity to gain practical experience in very meaningful, client-facing work which can greatly widen your skillset.
What have you gained from your volunteering experience?
My volunteering role has significantly strengthened my communication skills when calling and writing to vulnerable clients with a balance of empathy and professionalism. The experience has developed my capacity to identify relevant legal issues when assessing client eligibility and has enhanced my teamwork and prioritisation skills, such as knowing when to refer matters outside of my scope to the appropriate solicitors. Finally, this role has deepened my understanding of sociological perspectives within the legal system and the practical impact of legislation, particularly for minority and marginalised communities.
What’s one moment that has stayed with you?
A moment that has recently stuck with me includes spending a day volunteering at NCAT by taking notes for a RLC tenancy solicitor in their role as the duty advocate solicitor for that day. Witnessing how NCAT applications and conciliations work first-hand was a very insightful experience. Overall, I also feel very moved and inspired by the calls I take with vulnerable clients each week, who are facing such adverse circumstances but are bravely taking the first step to get the help they need.
Volunteering has exposed me to the disproportionate effects of the law on minority and marginalised communities
Vanessa Ryan
Bachelor of Laws
How has volunteering shaped the kind of lawyer you want to be?
My volunteering experience has definitely inspired me to become a motivated and collaborative lawyer whom others can rely on, and a lawyer who integrates CLC or other pro bono work into their schedule to help give back to the community and lead with empathy and kindness.
What would you say to other law students thinking about volunteering?
It is never too late to start volunteering! I only began in my fourth year of university and have really loved the experience, the people I have met, and the skills I have gained.
How do you balance volunteering with your studies?
I volunteer one day per week at RLC which can be a big commitment on top of two days of university classes and two days at work each week. I balance volunteering with my extracurricular activities and studies by very meticulously using my calendar to allocate certain blocks of time each week to study, and I will also use spare time during commutes or lunch breaks to stay on top of small tasks.
One practical tip for getting started
Read the weekly SULS emails to see if you can get involved in social justice committee initiatives such as RLTP, visit the website of your local community legal centre to see when they have openings for vollies, and check out the SULS jobs board for volunteering opportunities as well!
Current volunteer roles
Redfern Legal Centre client intake officer and SULS Refugee Language Tutoring Program (RLTP) tutor.