First Step Legal

First Step Legal Services is an integral component of First Step's multi-disciplinary approach to addressing addiction and mental health challenges. Since the inception of First Step in July 2000, the legal services team has formed a critical part of the comprehensive support network offered to over 1,800 individuals annually. Founded by Peter White OAM, Dr Simon Rose, and Tim Costello AO, the organisation was established in response to a pressing need for accessible treatment options for those overcoming heroin addiction. Today, it stands as a testimony to holistic care, seamlessly integrating medical, psychological, and legal assistance. Our legal team operates under the guiding principle that every individual deserves the opportunity to regain control of their life, irrespective of past adversities. We work collaboratively with GPs, psychologists, psychiatrists, mental health nurses, and counsellors to remove barriers often encountered in conventional treatment pathways. The legal professionals at First Step bring a wealth of experience and empathy, providing invaluable guidance as clients navigate complex legal landscapes. Our objective is to stabilise and enhance our clients' social circumstances, which is fundamental to their overall recovery journey. Through our integrated legal services, we assist clients in overcoming legal obstacles that contribute to their stress, thus supporting their reintegration into society and contributing positively to their familial and communal relationships. While we are dedicated to this mission, it is important to note that we do not offer after-hours or emergency legal advice. For immediate support outside our operating hours, the Home Doctor Service and emergency services remain available. At First Step, the legal team shares a common belief in social justice, recognising that effective and timely legal support can significantly impact individuals' ability to achieve lasting change and improved mental health outcomes. We remain committed to delivering services that are not only free but also integral to a brighter, more stable future for our clients and their communities.