“The Cyberlaw Project has become one of YLA’s most innovative service streams,” says Kim Richardson, Principal Solicitor at YLA. “This national technology‑enabled model engages volunteers nationally and allows YLA to deliver high‑quality, youth-centred legal assistance efficiently, and at scale.”

Volunteering for the Cyberlaw Project as a graduate lawyer started Stephanie Puris on a path to career success aligned with her values. She joined YLA in 2011 as a secondee to further her understanding of children and the law. “I wanted to work closely with young people to better understand the barriers they face in accessing justice,” she says. “I discovered that geographic isolation, lack of awareness about rights and systemic gaps in support services can all stand in the way.”

On returning to Mallesons, Stephanie took over running Sydney activities for the Cyberlaw Project. Becoming the Mallesons National Coordinator the following year gave her a welcome opportunity to lead the valuable work of all volunteers. “My experience on secondment and leading the Cyberlaw Project team deepened my commitment to advocacy for children and young people,” says Stephanie. “It gave me the skills and confidence to take on leadership roles within Mallesons and shaped my values and approach to practice.”

Claudia Taranto, Senior Associate and the current Cyberlaw Project National Coordinator agrees that involvement in the project has enriched her experience at Mallesons and delivered benefits to both volunteers and young Australians. “Our Mallesons volunteers invest time to prepare thoughtful, caring and tailored advice and use their skills outside of usual commercial practice to consider legal issues experienced by individuals under the age of 25,” she says. “It feels very rewarding to play a part in making the law feel more understandable and less intimidating for a younger audience.”

In the 20 years since the idea for the Cyberlaw Project was first conceived, the platform has scaled to deliver high-quality legal advice to thousands of young people across all major Australian cities. ASIC joined the Cyberlaw Project service in 2010 and volunteer numbers across all participating organisations grew. “Mallesons’ leadership brought others into the model to strengthen its reach, diversity and sustainability,” says Kim. “The service can now draw on diverse expertise to support young people across a wide range of legal issues, including family, safety, education, employment, tenancy, consumer rights and digital environments.”

Today Mallesons volunteers manage 15 to 20 new Cyberlaw Project cases every week, with YLA delivering training, templates, and system access to ensure all legal advice is high-quality and accessible.