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Released 02/22

Gilchrist Connell welcomes new pro bono principal

Pro Bono thought leader and practitioner, Jilly Field, joins Gilchrist Connell to advance the firm’s contribution to social justice.

Jilly will lead the strategic direction of the firm’s pro bono practice which aims to address access to justice issues for communities facing disadvantage and marginalisation.

Jilly has previously directed pro bono practices with a particular focus on the delivery of front line advice to individuals as well as scaled advocacy and reform support for Community Legal Centres and public interest organisations. Jilly has experience in poverty law, family and domestic violence, animal law and defence work for children in the criminal justice system. Jilly has seconded to various front line public interest and community law organisations and is on the Boards of Wear it Purple and Community Legal Centres NSW.

“We have always tried to display our core values in ways that engage with the community and ‘give back’ as much as possible. It is natural that we should appoint a longstanding practitioner who has the experience and commitment to drive our pro bono program to address access to justice. Jilly is an exciting addition to the Gilchrist Connell team” said Managing Principal Richard Wood.

Jilly works closely with community legal and public interest stakeholders to drive collaborative solutions focused on the lived realities of individuals facing hardship. Jilly is focused on the ethics
of pro bono and drives an understanding of social theory, systemic reform and fairness through her programming.

“As a practitioner who holds extensive expertise driving efficiencies, reducing risk and achieving outcomes for community, Jilly will help us direct our resources towards impactful and sustainable programs” Belinda Cohen, Chief People Officer at Gilchrist Connell explains.

Jilly’s hire is a further demonstration of Gilchrist Connell commitment to the Australian Legal Sector Alliance, the Australian Pro Bono community and is a mark of our increasing focus on addressing unmet legal need through a strategic pro bono practice.