Community Law Centres Aotearoa – A Beacon of Justice
Community Law Centres Aotearoa (CLCA) stands as a vital network across New Zealand, dedicated to ensuring access to justice for everyone. With 24 centres reaching over 120 outreach locations, CLCA is deeply embedded in our communities. Its mission, rooted in its proud history and kaupapa, is to empower individuals to navigate the legal system regardless of their circumstances with free legal support.
Since 2023, Thomson Reuters has supported all Community Law Centres with their legal research needs through complimentary access to Westlaw New Zealand for all the staff at each centre.
“We are incredibly proud of the partnership between Thomson Reuters and Community Law Centres Aotearoa. We share a fundamental value of ‘legal access for all’ and it’s incredibly rewarding to see how our robust legal research tools, now further enhanced by AI-Assisted Research, empower each centre to make such a significant difference in communities across New Zealand.”
Matthew Heaphy, Head of New Zealand Legal Business, Thomson Reuters.
Each year, the Community Law Centres assist approximately 50,000 clients and provide free legal education to 30,000 people. Their website receives 5,000 visits daily, demonstrating the critical need for their services and access to free legal information. With a team of 250 dedicated staff, including lawyers, caseworkers, and administrators, Community Law Centres are on the front lines, ensuring that legal information and assistance are not just privileges, but fundamental rights accessible to all New Zealanders.
The Challenge: Navigating a Complex Legal Landscape
For Community Law Centres, the ability to provide accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive legal advice is paramount. Their clients face a vast range of legal issues, and the Centres operate with limited resources. Staying abreast of constantly evolving legislation, case law, and legal precedents in multiple legal areas is a significant challenge. Without reliable access to a vast and current legal library, the efficiency and effectiveness of their services could be severely hampered, directly impacting their capacity to serve the community. The sheer volume of legal information and the need to quickly and confidently respond to diverse client needs underscore the critical importance of robust legal research tools.
The Solution: Westlaw New Zealand – An Indispensable Partner
Westlaw New Zealand has emerged as an indispensable partner for Community Law Centres Aotearoa, providing the essential legal research platform they need to fulfil their mission. By offering a comprehensive and up-to-date repository of legal information, Westlaw empowers CLC lawyers to conduct thorough research, stay informed about legal developments, and provide accurate advice to their clients. This robust resource ensures that even with limited resources, CLC can maintain high-quality legal services.
“At Community Law Centres Aotearoa, our core purpose is to break down barriers to justice. Westlaw New Zealand is a critical enabler in this mission, providing our lawyers with comprehensive, reliable information. With the help of its AI research functionality, our team can get answers quicker and more efficiently while still ensuring the accuracy we need to effectively advocate for our communities and ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, can access the legal support they deserve.”
Sue Moroney, CEO, Community Law Centres Aotearoa.
The accessibility of Westlaw allows CLC lawyers, many of whom work in outreach locations or with diverse client groups, to quickly retrieve relevant legislation, case law, commentary, and precedents. This efficiency is vital in an environment where every minute counts. Westlaw acts as a powerful force multiplier, enabling CLC staff to confidently tackle a wide array of legal issues and deliver impactful results for those who need it most.
The Future: Expanding Horizons
Looking ahead, Community Law Centres Aotearoa, with the support of tools like Westlaw, is committed to continually expanding its reach and addressing the new and complex legal challenges it faces.
“Westlaw New Zealand is more than just a research tool; it’s a foundation that strengthens our ability to advocate for justice. Its AI capabilities allow us to be agile and responsive to the diverse and often complex needs of our clients, ensuring that we quickly get accurate information and empower them with the best possible legal guidance.”
David Towle, Chief Executive, Community Law Auckland.
This ongoing collaboration between Community Law Centres Aotearoa and Thomson Reuters exemplifies a shared dedication to ‘justice for all’ and community empowerment.
As a legal professional, if you are in need of the most up-to-date and trusted legal content in New Zealand with AI-Assisted research capabilities, look no further than Westlaw New Zealand
