LSB December 2021 HR

RISK WATCH
translator (documents). Interpreting and
translating are highly skilled occupations,
often now undertaken with the benefit of
specialist tertiary study. Furthermore, reputable
interpreters adhere to a professional code
of ethics, which emphasises the importance
of professional competence, accuracy and
independence.
159. Second, assuming the role of interpreter
or translator could put the solicitor in an
invidious professional position. This is also
why even a solicitor who is also a professional
interpreter—if there are any—should not
do so in her or his own cases. Difficulties may
arise if the accuracy of the interpretation
is questioned, raising the possibility of the
solicitor having to give evidence. Allegations
of unconscious or even conscious bias could be
raised.”
Whilst being a multi-lingual solicitor
is unlikely to be a disadvantage it will not
necessarily solve all the problems with
language, particularly where documents
for use in Court are concerned. Assistance
from professional interpreters (even with
the added cost and delay occasioned
by their use) should be sought when
appropriate.
Of course, it is not just court
proceedings which raise issues where
language might be a difficulty. Language
problems may arise in all areas of legal
practice—commercial transactions and
wills and estates are just two obvious
examples. The February, 2022 Riskwatch
article will deal with some of the issues
that arise from CALD clients in nonlitigious
matters.
In the meantime, there is a checklist for
working with culturally and linguistically
diverse clients, and accompanying
Acknowledgement to Interpreters, available
to practitioners insured with the SA
Professional Indemnity Insurance Scheme
in the General Law document package
in the Risk Management section of the
Society’s website (requires login).
Legal aid opens new office at Whyalla
The Legal Services Commission has
moved to a new office location
in Whyalla to boost the delivery of its
services in the Eyre Peninsula region.
The office is located at 17A Forsyth
Street, Whyalla. The Commission’s
Whyalla office phone numbers and email
addresses have not changed.
“Our new Whyalla office is
more than just a building,” says the
Commission’s Director, Gabrielle Canny.
“It’s a demonstration of our continuing
commitment to the people in this
important part of SA.
“We have had an office in Whyalla
since 1985 and we know it can be
particularly tough for people dealing with
legal problems in regional areas. They
have fewer legal services to choose from,
reduced access to courts and tribunals,
plus increased travel expenses.
“Many of our enquiries in this
region relate to family law problems,”
says Ms Canny. “Those enquiries are
about the care of children, property
disputes, intervention orders and divorce
proceedings.
“At our Whyalla office we also provide
a mediation service that helps separated
parents to reach out-of-court agreements
regarding the care of their children and the
division of property. In these negotiations,
each parent is represented by a lawyer.
“This Family Dispute Resolution
mediation program is very successful.
An agreement is reached by four out of
every five couples who take part in this
program.
“We also handle a number of enquiries
in the Whyalla region relating to consumer
issues, debt, employment laws, traffic
matters, Wills, criminal cases and landlord
disputes.”
In 2019, the Commission moved
to new and improved premises at Port
Augusta to boost its assistance to people in
SA’s Upper Spencer Gulf. B
December 2021 THE BULLETIN 29