Statewide CSO Program
Our Client Service Officers (CSOs) are key connectors for our clients and local communities
to VALS legal assistance.
CSOs assist clients to attend court, arrange legal representation, advocate on the client’s behalf, and assist them in their communications with lawyers and to understand court processes and orders.
VALS Client Service Officers (CSO) are the key cultural interface between Aboriginal Community members, VALS’ lawyers
and the court.
The CSO’s specialist non-legal role helps address barriers Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people face in engaging with Criminal, Family and Civil legal processes.
The CSO works as a part of a multi-disciplinary team with lawyers, paralegals and other CSOs and administrative officers.
Acting as the interface between clients, lawyers and the court to support the client to understand and navigate court proceedings and attend court as required. Our CSOs assess clients’ non-legal needs and offer referrals or further support where appropriate.
VALS CSOs sit within the legal teams, strengthening their ability to provide specialist support to our clients.
VALS CSOs are available at all VALS locations, including metro and regional office locations.
Our regional CSOs provide essential services in connecting our lawyers to their clients and the local communities. Regional CSOs spend the majority of their time traveling across the state to various regional courts, supporting people prior to, at and after court. The CSOs also provide important follow-up appointments with clients to assist lawyers in progressing legal matters and identifying appropriate support services for clients.