The sustainability and social impact partner highlights the plight of the “missing middle”
Megan King believes that the country is facing a major crisis when it comes to providing access to justice, with legal assistance becoming increasingly difficult to secure for the segment of the population she calls the “missing middle”. However, the sustainability and social impact partner has also seen bright spots in her pro bono work – such as the generous hearts of corporate lawyers.
In the second part of this interview, the Gadens lawyer tells Australasian Lawyer about joining Walk for Truth and one rising overseas trend she finds troubling.
What's one misconception you think people have about lawyers, and how would you correct that misconception?
People often think that corporate lawyers are only interested in making money and their own career advancement, but in my experience of running pro bono practices in commercial firms is that most lawyers in the corporate world are incredibly generous with their time in pro bono matters and have a genuine desire to use their legal skills for the benefit of marginalised communities. I rarely get told “no” by lawyers I approach to take on pro bono legal work. I think you can’t say the same about a lot of other professions!
What challenges are particularly pressing in the country's legal industry?
I believe Australia is facing a significant access to justice crisis. Legal assistance is increasingly becoming out of reach for the “missing middle” - people who earn too much to qualify for legal aid but cannot afford private legal services.
What are your thoughts on the current state of the rule of law worldwide?
As someone who helps clients enforce their human rights, I find the rise of anti-rights movements in many democracies troubling. Fortunately, Australia hasn’t faced this issue, but it highlights the importance of safeguarding the rule of law and ensuring fairness for everyone.
What are you looking forward to the most in the coming year?
I joined the first leg of the Walk for Truth with Travis Lovett in Melbourne in April and am really looking forward to joining the last leg of the walk to Parliament House in Canberra in May. The Walk for Truth is aimed at promoting awareness of the importance of truth telling for First Nations peoples and to call for a national truth telling process.
