WestSide Community Lawyers

WestSide Community Lawyers

Criminal Law

CRIMINAL LAW • EMPLOYMENT & WORKPLACE
Port Adelaide, SA
46+ years Experience
4.1

Rating

10

Team

1979

Since

+61883409009
Mon-Fri 9:00am - 5:00pm

WestSide Community Lawyers provides free legal assistance services to eligible members of the community in Adelaide’s Western suburbs and South Australia’s Mid North and Outback regions. The firm...

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What is WestSide Community Lawyers?

WestSide Community Lawyers is a nonprofit community legal centre that provides quality legal assistance to financially or otherwise disadvantaged people who are unable to access private legal services or legal aid. Established in 1979 and serving South Australia for over 45 years, this organization operates as part of the Community Legal Centres movement with a mission to ensure just and equitable access to quality legal advice and representation for all members of the community. The firm employs 11-50 staff members and maintains offices in Port Adelaide and Port Pirie, delivering free legal services to Adelaide's Western suburbs, South Australia's Mid North, and Outback regions.

What services does WestSide Community Lawyers offer?

  • Legal Advice: Free initial consultations and ongoing legal guidance for eligible community members across multiple practice areas
  • Legal Representation: Court representation for clients who meet means and merits testing criteria, ensuring those who cannot afford private lawyers receive quality advocacy
  • Community Legal Education: Educational programs and resources designed to empower community members to understand their legal rights and prevent legal issues
  • After Hours Service/Clinic: Evening appointments available Tuesdays 5:30pm-7:30pm to accommodate working clients who cannot attend during regular business hours
  • Duty Solicitor Services: On-site legal assistance at courts and tribunals for urgent matters requiring immediate legal support
  • Family Law Services: Comprehensive assistance with divorce, property settlement, child support, residence and contact arrangements, and separation matters
  • Criminal Law Services: Defense representation and advice for criminal charges, helping vulnerable clients navigate the justice system
  • Employment Law Services: Unfair dismissal claims and workplace rights advocacy for employees facing workplace injustice
  • Tenancy Law Services: Residential tenancy disputes, eviction defense, and tenant rights protection
  • Motor Vehicle Accident Claims: Legal assistance for accident victims seeking compensation and navigating insurance claims
  • Civil Matters: General civil dispute resolution including debt matters, consumer protection, and neighborhood disputes
  • Family and Domestic Violence Support: Specialized legal assistance for victims seeking protection orders and safety planning

Why choose WestSide Community Lawyers as your lawyer?

Choosing WestSide Community Lawyers means selecting a legal service provider with over 45 years of proven community service and a commitment to access to justice. The firm's nonprofit status ensures that client welfare remains the primary focus rather than profit maximization. Their team embraces diversity and welcomes all people irrespective of culture, faith, sexual orientation, and gender identity, creating an inclusive environment for vulnerable clients. The organization's collaborative approach involves partnering with private firms, community organizations, and government agencies to enhance service delivery and increase access to justice. Their empowering philosophy provides not just legal solutions but also education to help clients take control and prevent future legal issues. With funding from both South Australian and Commonwealth governments, the firm maintains stability and consistency in service delivery while remaining accountable to the community through regular service reviews.

Who are the attorneys at WestSide Community Lawyers?

The legal team at WestSide Community Lawyers is led by Andrew English, who serves as CEO & Managing Lawyer, providing strategic leadership and oversight of all legal services. Vanessa Ho holds the position of Deputy Managing Lawyer & Senior Solicitor, offering extensive experience in multiple practice areas while supporting the firm's management. Sophia Moustakos serves as Executive Solicitor, bringing specialized expertise to complex legal matters. Daniela Popovic focuses specifically on criminal law matters as the firm's dedicated Criminal Solicitor, ensuring clients facing criminal charges receive specialized representation. Pei Ngu currently serves as Interim Deputy Managing Lawyer, providing additional leadership support during transitional periods. The team also includes Amelia Goldring and other qualified legal professionals who collectively deliver comprehensive legal services across all practice areas.

How much does WestSide Community Lawyers cost?

WestSide Community Lawyers provides free legal services to eligible clients who meet their financial disadvantage criteria. Initial legal advice is open to all community members without charge, making legal guidance accessible regardless of financial status. For ongoing legal representation, the firm applies means and merits testing to ensure services are directed to those who genuinely cannot afford private legal services and would otherwise suffer injustice. While most services are provided free of charge to eligible clients, fees may apply for some specific services. The firm's nonprofit status and government funding enable them to maintain this free service model for vulnerable community members who would otherwise be unable to access justice.

Where is WestSide Community Lawyers located?

WestSide Community Lawyers operates from two strategic locations in South Australia. The headquarters is located at 1/171 Commercial Rd Port Adelaide, SA 5015, featuring wheelchair accessible facilities and serving Adelaide's Western suburbs. The Port Pirie branch office is situated at Flinders Arcade, 72 Ellen Street, Port Pirie, SA 5540, extending services to the Mid North and Outback regions. Both offices can be reached through the main phone number 08 8340 9009, with the Port Pirie office also available at local number 08 8633 3600. The firm maintains regular operating hours Monday through Friday 9am-5pm, with after-hours services available Tuesday evenings 5:30pm-7:30pm. Clients can visit their website at https://westsidelawyers.com.au/ or email reception@westsidelawyers.com.au for appointments and inquiries.

Client Reviews

4.1

50 verified reviews

Viera Milo

Viera Milo

Verified Client
a week ago

Friendly and willing to help.

mandeep singh

mandeep singh

Verified Client
a month ago

very talented nd helpful lower

Julie Lynch

Julie Lynch

Verified Client
2 months ago

These lawyers are great! I only have positive things to say about them. Their service was great. A very happy customer.

Mai Ahmed

Mai Ahmed

Verified Client
4 months ago

Best lawyers ever Pei has been very helpful over the years. They provided assistance and guidance through my divorce and custody journey highly recommended they are amazing team

User1

User1

Verified Client
4 months ago

Westside community lawyers provide excellent legal consultation and services. I was able to receive assistance with a famly law property settlement. The sealed consent orders provided allowed for my superannuation to be divided as divorce settlement. Thank you Westside community lawyers for your help regarding this matter.

Wayakka Abdulla

Wayakka Abdulla

Verified Client
6 months ago

Beautiful people

Jake Smedinga

Jake Smedinga

Verified Client
7 months ago

The best family lawyers going assisted me in every aspect of what i needed definitely recommend anyone going though family court.

brahim elmawey

brahim elmawey

Verified Client
8 months ago

I would recommend westside community lawyers who had the decency to look into my matter /charge against me from SA police /courts. after being rejected by numerous professional law firms in south Australia, I felt lost and nowhere and no one to turn to, so when I heard that there were community lawyers I thought I’ll give it my last try to solve my issue with the courts. So I rang Westside Community Lawyers they said I had to have an appointment and a lawyer will call me back at that particular time, I received a call from a well spoken professional person who actually made sense on how to go about my charge, he gave me valuable information on the services available to people who don’t know the process of legal issues,I was very pleased , the lawyer from westside Community Lawyers represented me in the court and found a solution to have the matter solved.. Anyone who reads this post finds them self in a Situation Where they need a professional lawyer I truly recommend Westside Community Lawyers I cannot thank them enough. THANKS JOEL.

Susan Quinn

Susan Quinn

Verified Client
9 months ago

I would highly recommend the service provided by Westside Community Lawyers. They were very efficient and helpful.

Mark Jones

Mark Jones

Verified Client
11 months ago

The whole process was very good. The lawyer listened well and followed the brief. The end result was a most appropriate and professional outcome. Easy to deal with and efficient.

Godwill Penna

Godwill Penna

Verified Client
a year ago

Westside community lawyer I give them a 5 star review, they helped me with one of the worst times in my life and that stood by my side and I am forever grateful for the help in the future if I need a lawyer west side lawyer will be the best place to go.

Sd Kg

Sd Kg

Verified Client
a year ago

Very helpful.

Harry Cao

Harry Cao

Verified Client
a year ago

None

Mance HUNG

Mance HUNG

Verified Client
a year ago

I recently sought legal advice from Westside Community Lawyers and I couldn’t be more satisfied with the service I received. The team was professional, attentive, and genuinely caring throughout the entire process. Highly recommend Westside Community Lawyers to anyone

Wunna Coleman-Goddard

Wunna Coleman-Goddard

Verified Client
a year ago

Great service highly recommended Pei Ling.

Jd Ng

Jd Ng

Verified Client
a year ago

Writing this review to express my sincere gratitude and thanks to Amelia, Thomas and the Westside Lawyers Team, for resolving an issue that was creating a great deal of stress in my life.

After calling and explaining the situation, Thomas was able to provide great advice and recommendations, booking me into an appointment at the earliest possible time.

Amelia showed a great understanding of all aspects of the problem, kept great communication with me throughout the process, and provided a prompt and definitive resolution.

Sudagaran Jey

Sudagaran Jey

Verified Client
a year ago

Great service .. Helped me in my case in a very professional manner..Thank you Amelia for all you support ..you had made a great impact

Christopher De Jong

Christopher De Jong

Verified Client
a year ago

None

Marisa Duncan

Marisa Duncan

Verified Client
2 years ago

Professional and helpful advice

Guy Wood

Guy Wood

Verified Client
2 years ago

Thanks Joel qnd everyone, great service and help. Guy

Angela Chambers

Angela Chambers

Verified Client
2 years ago

They really care about your legal needs

Sasangika Jeewandara

Sasangika Jeewandara

Verified Client
2 years ago

I’d give no starts if I can. This firm signed a retainer agreement with me, saying they will act for me and then stood on my case for 8 months with no correspondence at all. All my phone calls were answered by a receptionist who has no idea on what they are doing. The lawyers kept leaving the firm. And my case was in addressed the whole time.

Xxxxxxx who is the senior solicitor, who after 8 months came out and ended my retainer all of a sudden because I phoned the receptionist and said this is taking way too long and no one was attending my case.

I really hope these peoples’ salaries are used for better use of the clients.

I also want to thank Elizabeth Densely who was a very professional and kind lawyer who I met in this organisation but ended up leaving them, I’m sure for good reasons. Such time wasters!!!

15th Nov… So I receive a letter from Westside lawyers after many moons. Unfortunately I am asked to take my Google review down. It does sound to me like a threatening, so I removed affected names and updated my review. I obviously don’t want to get into a court case with this solicitor on top of the current legal battle related to my parental care and property settlement.

Greg Hayes

Greg Hayes

Verified Client
3 years ago

None

Rachel Gallacher

Rachel Gallacher

Verified Client
3 years ago

Good service so far

Dianne Dolman

Dianne Dolman

Verified Client
3 years ago

The Lady Lawyer set my mind at rest . With good ...and gave me very sound advice ...

AJ

AJ

Verified Client
3 years ago

Lawyers who care about the outcome & not their own personal income.

Robert

Robert

Verified Client
3 years ago

None

Julie Wait

Julie Wait

Verified Client
3 years ago

None

Sajid Ali

Sajid Ali

Verified Client
4 years ago

Totally westage of time they will listen to you and then say will let you know after deciding with our panels and will ask for all the documents and some of us will call you regarding fees and further procedure even though they know the Shortage of time as well and didnt call or email us back. tried and called them many times still makes you wait and you will never get any reply from them....

Kellee Smith

Kellee Smith

Verified Client
4 years ago

The people are very friendly and helpful. I was given the information I needed without the jargon, just simple and clear. I felt as if a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders. I will definitely go there again if I need to.

Edwin Graham-Vanderbyl

Edwin Graham-Vanderbyl

Verified Client
4 years ago

None

bruce W

bruce W

Verified Client
4 years ago

Terrible. Do not use. Quoted $7200 for costs for a small matter. Said I would need multiple appearances in court. Completely unprofessional. I used another lawyer and he was shocked at westsides quote. He charged $650 with one appearance and all matters dropped. West Side are a con. Do not use.

Patt Cartwright

Patt Cartwright

Verified Client
4 years ago

None

Quiet Australian

Quiet Australian

Verified Client
5 years ago

None

Val Wolfe-Sexton

Val Wolfe-Sexton

Verified Client
5 years ago

The lawyer was rude, condescending, and unprepared to listen. Avoid this place.

Vivvic Davey

Vivvic Davey

Verified Client
5 years ago

None

Chris Reciszen

Chris Reciszen

Verified Client
5 years ago

Waste of time

Aaron Morris

Aaron Morris

Verified Client
5 years ago

Professional, prompt and a broad range of knowledge in their field.

Their ethos is matched by their compassion to the outcome of their clients.

A M

A M

Verified Client
5 years ago

None

Christopher Aust

Christopher Aust

Verified Client
5 years ago

Didnt heard back from them after an appointment, so rung up and explained what had happened was told "they would find out what happened and call me back" again didnt get a call for a bunch of highly paid highly educated people it really isnt good enough

Simon Hamilton

Simon Hamilton

Verified Client
5 years ago

This is a great option to legal aid

STEREO LOVAC

STEREO LOVAC

Verified Client
5 years ago

None

veronica volar

veronica volar

Verified Client
5 years ago

They never resolved the issue

Deep 6

Deep 6

Verified Client
6 years ago

if you have the money for a lawyer i strongly suggest going elsewhere

Kacy Lovewell

Kacy Lovewell

Verified Client
6 years ago

Great honest help with excellent understanding

Razaullah Khan

Razaullah Khan

Verified Client
6 years ago

None

Scot Henderson

Scot Henderson

Verified Client
6 years ago

professional and friendly

Ashish Poredi

Ashish Poredi

Verified Client
7 years ago

Great place for the best legal advice. Staff is friendly and polite

Carolyn Straatman

Carolyn Straatman

Verified Client
7 years ago

None

Rob Andrew

Rob Andrew

Verified Client
7 years ago

Very helpful and extremely friendly

Contact Information

WestSide Community Lawyers

Unit 1/171 Commercial Rd, Port Adelaide SA 5015

Port Adelaide SA

Phone

+61883409009

Office Hours

Mon-Fri 9:00am - 5:00pm

By appointment available

Languages

English

Payment Methods

Cash, Card, EFTPOS

Payment plans available

Client Ratings

4.1

Based on 50 reviews

5 star
55%
4 star
35%
3 star
8%
2 star
2%
1 star
0%
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