Professor Joshua Aston, Eliza Kirk, Tianhao Zhu, Dr Clare Tai and Beatrice Cayco
Edith Cowan University (ECU) has launched its new student-led Wills Clinic at ECU City Campus aiming to help people in Perth and regional Western Australia who may otherwise face barriers to accessing legal assistance to prepare a simple will.
The ECU Wills Clinic is the first student-led service of its kind in Western Australia. It builds on the success of ECU's Tax Clinic, which has helped deliver significant financial benefits to regional Western Australians.
The service is provided free of charge to eligible community members while also giving law students valuable practical experience under professional supervision.
Operating from ECU City, the clinic is preparing to welcome its first intake of clients in Semester 1, 2027. The service is available to eligible individuals requiring assistance with a simple will, with appointments now open through the clinic's referral and intake process.
Professor Joshua Aston JP said the clinic aims to make estate planning more accessible for people who may otherwise face barriers to obtaining legal assistance.
"Many people know they should have a will but delay putting one in place because of cost, uncertainty about the process, or simply not knowing where to begin," Professor Aston said.
"The ECU Wills Clinic provides eligible members of the community with an opportunity to receive free assistance in preparing a simple will, while also ensuring our students gain meaningful, real-world legal experience.
"It's a win-win model that benefits both the community and the next generation of legal professionals."
Eliza Kirk and Dr Clare Tai
The clinic is delivered in partnership with Encompass Legal and Community Services (ECLS), combining ECU's educational expertise and student involvement with ECLS's experience in professional supervision, community legal services and client engagement.
Professor Aston said the clinic reflects ECU's broader commitment to accessible legal education and community impact.
"Access to justice includes access to important legal documents like wills. Through this clinic we're helping people make informed decisions about their future and providing our students with practical skills that will serve them throughout their careers."
Kimberley outreach program to commence in February 2027
Alongside its metropolitan service, the ECU Wills Clinic will begin outreach activities in the Kimberley region from February 2027, extending free will preparation assistance to eligible people in regional and remote communities.
The outreach program has been developed in collaboration with Broome Circle in Broome and Marra Worra Worra Aboriginal Corporation in Fitzroy Crossing, helping ensure the service reaches people who may have limited access to affordable legal assistance.
"Regional and remote communities often face additional challenges in accessing legal services," Professor Aston said.
"Working alongside trusted community organisations allows us to connect with people who may benefit from having a will in place and support them through the process in a culturally appropriate and community-led way."
Financial counsellors and local community partners will play an important role in identifying potential clients, facilitating referrals and helping raise awareness about the importance of estate planning.
"This collaborative approach will help us build trust within communities and ensure our services reach those who might otherwise face barriers to accessing legal support," Professor Aston said.
The ECU Wills Clinic team comprises Professor Joshua Aston JP, Dr Clare Tai, Dr Haydn Rigby and Brittany Trenwith.
For information about eligibility criteria, bookings and clinic operating hours, visit the ECU Wills Clinic webpage.
