An award-winning lawyer is poised to take the helm of a community organisation that provides free legal advice to residents who are disadvantaged and vulnerable.
Community legal expert John Shanahan has been appointed managing solicitor at Suncoast Community Legal Service.
Mr Shanahan brings a wealth of experience to the organisation, as an accredited duty lawyer for domestic violence and child protection.
The SCLS is approaching its 40th year of providing essential and free legal service to the local community, with more than 80 volunteer legal professionals delivering about 3000 individual advice sessions annually.
Mr Shanahan is due to start on August 7 and said he was excited to join a community of passionate staff and volunteer legal professionals who dedicate their skills and expertise to serve the most vulnerable and disadvantaged.
“I am thrilled to be moving to the Sunshine Coast and working for SCLS, who play such an important role in our community through the provision of support services to a wide range of people in need across the region,” he said.
“On a personal note, my wife grew up here and we’re both looking forward to raising our two young boys closer to family and friends.”
SCLS issued a press release that welcomed Mr Shanahan and thanked Julian Porter for his “outstanding leadership and service” as managing solicitor over the past 15 years.
Mr Porter has started a full-time role in the private sector but will continue to play an active role as a volunteer at the centre.
He said Mr Shanahan was a great fit for SCLS.
“I am very pleased to hear that SCLS has been able to secure someone of the calibre of John Shanahan to help manage our community service,” he said.
“I look forward to personally welcoming him to the team and working alongside him as I continue working at SCLS as a volunteer.”
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