They join the queue with those waiting for criminal matters in a logjam at the single security checkpoint.

It’s a situation legal practitioners see as unsustainable, and one that the Bendigo Law Association’s new president believes is a priority for advocacy.

Family lawyer Tom Wolff was named as the association’s new president last week.

He joined calls from a range of legal groups for an updated court precinct for Bendigo to improve safety for victims, clients and lawyers.

“It’s a real challenge for lawyers, judges, clients and everyone who uses the court,” Mr Wolff said.

“It’s a scheduling nightmare. We’ve got some terrific practitioners in Bendigo who are forced to operate in the most trying conditions.

“The opening of Court 6 was well meaning, but it hasn’t fixed the problems.”

The association provides professional and social networking for the city’s legal community, as well as advocacy on priority issues.

At 28, Mr Wolff is one of the younger lawyers practicing in Bendigo.

He said his appointment as president of the BLA was a “terrific opportunity”.

“It’s a reflection on the diversity that exists in our legal community, and shows that the role isn’t just reserved for a particular kind of legal practitioner,” Mr Wolff said.

Originally from Melbourne, he hoped metropolitan law students looked to Bendigo as an opportunity to further their careers.

“During my time here, I’ve had some really interesting and complex work. In an average capital city, practitioners would not be able to see the same sort of characteristics as you’re able to see in a place like Bendigo,” Mr Wolff said.

“You get the opportunity to really take ownership of your work in Bendigo.”

He replaced fellow family lawyer Jennifer Digby as the BLA president. 

Before that, Luke Docherty served in the role.