Contact Us
Our New Client Inquiry Process
We have a New Client Inquiry team made up of specially trained solicitors, law clerks and consultants. There are no call centres at Waller Legal.
We have a team member rostered on every business day to take that first call when you are ready to make it. If our team members are already on a call our receptionist will make a telephone appointment for later that day or the next business day.
Your first telephone call with us will take about half an hour. You don’t have to go into the details of the abuse, in fact, we prefer that you don’t at this time. We just need a summary of what happened and we will have a few questions for you. We will also ask for your instructions to investigate your case. The phone call is free and there is no obligation to pursue a claim.
Investigation and information gathering
We will then investigate your matter. Your inquiry will usually stay with the same team member throughout the investigation process. He or she will gather any relevant materials, such as police statements, school records, state ward files or documents about previous claims. We will research our considerable database and archives for any supporting witness statements or other corroboration. We may have already acted in many matters involving the same offender or institution. If we haven’t, we will do our homework ahead of time. Depending on the matter and how long it takes to gather the relevant information, the investigation stage can take a month or two. We will then give you an honest assessment about what help we are able to offer. If we don’t think we can help, we will tell you. If we can help, it’s only then that we need to take a detailed statement from you.
Appointment
We know that talking about sexual assault is hard. We will obtain any statement that you might have already given, such as police statement. You will be offered a face to face appointment or, if you prefer, a telephone appointment, so that we can take down the details. Some people prefer telephone as they can remain in a safe space and perhaps be with a support person or companion animal (you are also welcome to bring your support person or companion animal to our office for any of your appointments). If you have difficulty with travel, or live in a remote location, please let us know so that suitable arrangements can be made. We want to get to know you, to understand what happened and the impact that it has had on your life. We spend 1 to 2 hours with you to make sure we understand your circumstances and have answered all your questions. You will later be introduced to the solicitor who will have the conduct of your matter and you will be provided with written advice.
If you are a mental health care worker, treating doctor or community agency – please feel free to call our office to discuss any potential referral.
If you would like to know more about our working relationship with clients, please read our guide to working with Waller Legal.
Meetings by appointment only
2/57 Keele Street,
Collingwood, VIC 3066.
Telephone: (03) 9415 9999
Monday - Friday from 9am -1pm and 2pm - 5pm
Contact us via email: info@wallerlegal.com.au*
*Please remember to to include .au in our email address to ensure that we receive your communication.