Emerging Lawyers Program Pilot Evaluation

When someone experiences family violence, access to specialist legal support can make the difference between remaining trapped and taking steps towards safety. Yet too many Victorians struggle to get the help they need, especially those living in regional communities. 

The Emerging Lawyers Program was designed to address this urgent problem. Through training, mentoring and on-the-job experience, the program builds specialist family violence and family law expertise within communities that need it the most. 

This evaluation found the 20024-2025 pilot program successfully helped expand access to justice for family violence victim-survivors while strengthening the regional workforce. 

14 Emerging Lawyers supported more than 3,000 Victorians and nearly 80% remained working in the community after the progam ended.

The success of the 18 month long pilot reflects Women's Legal's specialist family violence expertise and proven capability in training, mentoring and workforce development. 

Continued investment will enable us to scale this proven model, strengthen the family violence legal workforce, and ensure more people can access specialist legal support, regardless of where they live.