We’re celebrating the people who give their time to the National Justice Project, and hearing what the experience has meant to them.Â
National Volunteer Week, running from 18–24 May, is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteers. It recognises the contribution of more than six million Australians who generously offer their time and expertise to support others. Â
The theme for 2026 invites everyone to discover how giving their time and talents can create connection, purpose and stronger communities.Â
We know that’s true. Over the past decade, more than 200 students and early-career lawyers have volunteered with us, gaining hands-on experience in strategic litigation and advocacy, while helping drive real change for communities too often ignored by the government.Â
Here’s what four of our recent volunteers had to say.Â
Zara, Legal & Comms volunteer – 6 months, 2025Â
Volunteering at the National Justice Project has further driven my passion for helping others and advocating alongside somebody who may not necessarily be heard. Seeing the practical impacts that the National Justice Project has in pushing for systemic change has inspired me to always strive for justice in my future legal career.Â
So much of what you learn is theory, so it was really inspiring to receive first-hand experience, and learn from leading human rights lawyers and advocates who bring a practical perspective to what I learn in the classroom.Â
Kate McGirr, Legal volunteer – 3 months, 2026Â
My favourite part has been my involvement in meaningful work from the beginning. It’s been extremely rewarding to have had the opportunity to engage with some of the complex cases the National Justice Project handles. Everyone here has also been very welcoming and friendly, so that’s made coming in each week really enjoyable.Â
While I knew about the growing intersection between social media and strategic litigation, I hadn’t fully appreciated the ways the two can complement or inform one another. I’ve been able to see this in practice by the team, observing how social media is used to platform the various projects and legal work being done here.Â
Lesya, Legal volunteer – 3 months, 2026Â
My favourite part of volunteering with the National Justice Project has been seeing how litigation can drive real systemic change. I have really valued being trusted with substantive legal work, whether that is case analysis, research, or drafting, and knowing that the work directly contributes to matters affecting communities. It has reinforced why I came into law in the first place, to advocate for people whose voices might otherwise be ignored.Â
Seeing how careful legal submissions can shape important findings, and how much that means to a family seeking truth and accountability, really brought home the human impact of legal work. It reminded me that good advocacy is about both precision and justice.Â
Polly, Legal volunteer – 3 months, 2026Â
Prior to volunteering at the National Justice Project, I felt that the only options available to me were advocacy-based. I was able to learn about the variety of work that they do, which changed my mind about the legal avenues I can take to enhance justice and mitigate systemic inequalities.Â
My favourite part of volunteering with the National Justice Project was being able to contribute to the significant work they do. I felt fulfilled after every day of volunteering and encouraged to work in areas of social justice. It was a privilege to use my legal education to help people who have experienced grave injustices.Â
Want to volunteer with the National Justice Project?Â
Whether you’re a law student, a recent graduate, or someone with skills in communications, research or technology, you can work with us. Â
Our volunteers support:Â
- Legal research and casework – working alongside leading human rights lawyers on strategic litigationÂ
- Social justice clinics – through our Monash and Macquarie University partnershipsÂ
- Advocacy and policy projects – including Call It Out, Hear Me Out, and the Alternative First Responders campaignÂ
- Communications and media – helping amplify stories of injustice and build public supportÂ
All volunteers must be over 18 and share a passion for justice and human rights. Find out more here.Â
Not ready to volunteer? You can also support us by donating, signing up to our newsletter, or following us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and TikTok.Â
