Seniors who can ill afford expensive legal advice were given a helping hand through a charitable initiative.

A team of lawyers from Mello Jones and Martin teamed up with Age Concern to offer assistance on disputes with landlords, noisy dogs, property disputes and personal injury during one-on-one consultations.

The law firm also hosted lectures on the topic of estates, trusts and wills. More than 100 people attended the event in October.

Juliana Snelling, a partner in the firm, said that with fees for a junior lawyer starting at $185 per hour, many seniors have been left to deal with thorny issues by themselves.

“We came across some very important issues — it became apparent how they are victimised and did desperately need good legal advice.

“It was worrying to see such important issues like your house and estate being an issue without having the resources to hire a lawyer.

“People being financed by their pensions alone can’t afford to get in the door of a law firm,” she said.

“Seniors are taken unfair advantage of by family members or supposed friends, and are giving up rights where they have an excellent case.

“We are not going to be able to resolve complex issues in ten or 15 minutes but can tell them the good and bad points of their cases and whether they qualify for legal aid and what their next steps might be.”

Ms Snelling said that many of the participants appeared to be unaware of the legal aid system, which offers help with legal fees to those on lower incomes.

Age Concern has offered free legal advice in the past, but has not been able to do this on a regular basis.

Claudette Fleming, executive director at the charity, said seniors felt “a sense of hopelessness” when they could not get access to help from a lawyer on important issues.

Valerie Pethen, programme coordinator at Age Concern, said those who took advantage of the clinic were “overwhelmed and so gratified for the opportunity”.

Peter Weedon, practice director at Mello Jones and Martin, said that the firm hopes to hold another clinic in conjunction with the charity next spring.

[bul] A free legal advice service is on offer at The Centre, 3 Angle Street, Hamilton, every Thursday from 5.30 until 7 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m and clients are dealt with on a “first come first served” basis.

Call 292-1343 for further information. The legal aid office can be contacted on 297-7617.