Moonee Valley Legal Service is an independent, community managed, non-profit organisation run by a Committee of Management. 

 

We are a Community Legal Centre that provides free legal advice, information, education, referrals and ongoing casework assistance to anyone who lives, works or studies within the City of Moonee Valley.

 

MVLS provides generalist legal services, with a focus on infringements, criminal law, family law and family violence. The service benefits and empowers the community, and assists disadvantaged or disenfranchised people to be more knowledgeable about the law. This approach gives clients confidence to be proactive in their dealings with the legal system.

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MVLS receives State and Commonwealth government funding through Victoria Legal Aid.

 

Our History

 

Moonee Valley Legal Service Inc. was established in 1985 as the Essendon Community Legal Centre by a group of interested residents and representatives from local organisations. Initially and for several years the Service was operated solely by volunteers.

 

In 1988 the Essendon Community Legal Centre joined with other unfunded Community Legal Centres to campaign for funding. The campaign was successful, and since 1989 the Centre has been funded by the State and Commonwealth governments, as well as other supporters including the Moonee Valley City Council.

 

In September 2009 the service renamed itself Moonee Valley Legal Service to better reflect our local community.