SIMON Corbell says small businesses will be able to access free legal advice through a new service.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and operators work hard, juggling customers and paperwork on a daily basis,” Simon said.

“The ACT Government wants to make sure they have the right support, information and tools available to them to continue to innovate.

“I am pleased to see an initiative that will help small business owners address some of the legal issues they face.”

The University of Canberra, the Legal Aid Commission ACT and private legal practitioners will work together to offer a free service, providing a 30 minute consultation on legal areas most important to small business.

“Some of these may include contract, debt recovery, litigation and dispute resolution, employment and industrial law, business and commercial law and many others.

“Lawyers from firms who have particular expertise in small business matters will volunteer their time and work with final year law students, who will also be able to conduct research on client matters.”

The aim of the clinic is to put small business owners in touch with experienced lawyers who will provide initial oral advice during the consultation.

“This will provide guidance to small business owners on how to resolve their legal issues in what can otherwise be a difficult to navigate environment,” Mr Corbell said.

The clinics will be held each Thursday afternoon at 2 Allsop Street, Canberra. An appointment can be made by calling the Legal Aid Commission Helpline on 1300 654 314.