Pro Bono Singapore: A Guide to Free Legal Services

What is Pro Bono?

Pro bono, short for "pro bono publico," is a Latin phrase that means "for the public good." In the legal context, pro bono refers to legal services that are provided for free to individuals or organizations that cannot afford to pay for them.

Pro bono work is an important part of the legal profession. It helps to ensure that everyone has access to justice, regardless of their financial means. Pro bono lawyers donate their time and expertise to help those in need, and they make a real difference in the lives of their clients.

Pro Bono Singapore

Pro bono work is a well-established tradition in Singapore. In 2021, Singaporean lawyers donated over 100,000 hours of pro bono service, valued at over S$30 million. This is a significant contribution to the community, and it demonstrates the commitment of Singapore's legal profession to social justice.

There are many different ways that lawyers can provide pro bono services. Some lawyers volunteer their time at legal aid clinics, while others take on pro bono cases from individual clients. There are also a number of organizations that support pro bono work, such as the Law Society of Singapore's Pro Bono Services Office.

Who Qualifies for Pro Bono Services?

Not everyone who needs legal assistance qualifies for pro bono services. Generally, pro bono services are only available to individuals or organizations that meet certain financial criteria. For example, the Law Society of Singapore's Pro Bono Services Office only provides services to individuals and organizations with a monthly household income of less than S$2,000.

There are also some types of legal cases that are not eligible for pro bono services. For example, pro bono lawyers typically do not handle cases that are frivolous or that have a low chance of success.

How to Get Pro Bono Services

If you think you may qualify for pro bono services, there are a few steps you can take to get started:

1. Contact a legal aid clinic. Legal aid clinics are non-profit organizations that provide free legal services to low-income individuals and families. Legal aid clinics can help you determine if you qualify for pro bono services and can connect you with a pro bono lawyer.
2. Contact the Law Society of Singapore's Pro Bono Services Office. The Law Society of Singapore's Pro Bono Services Office provides pro bono services to individuals and organizations that meet certain financial criteria. The Pro Bono Services Office can help you determine if you qualify for pro bono services and can connect you with a pro bono lawyer.
3. Contact a pro bono lawyer directly. You can also contact pro bono lawyers directly to inquire about their services. Pro bono lawyers are typically listed in the Yellow Pages or online directories.

The Benefits of Pro Bono Work

Pro bono work is a rewarding experience for both lawyers and clients. Lawyers who do pro bono work gain valuable experience, develop their legal skills, and make a real difference in the lives of their clients. Clients who receive pro bono services are able to access justice that they would not otherwise be able to afford.

Stories of Pro Bono Success

Here are a few stories of pro bono success from Singapore:

• A pro bono lawyer helped a single mother to obtain a divorce and child custody. The mother was facing financial difficulties and was unable to afford to hire a lawyer. The pro bono lawyer donated his time to help her, and she was able to get the outcome she wanted.
• A pro bono lawyer helped a small business to fight a lawsuit from a large corporation. The small business was facing bankruptcy, and the lawsuit could have put them out of business. The pro bono lawyer donated his time to help the small business, and they were able to win the case.
• A pro bono lawyer helped a group of tenants to fight an eviction from their homes. The tenants were facing eviction because they could not afford to pay their rent. The pro bono lawyer donated his time to help the tenants, and they were able to stay in their homes.

These are just a few examples of how pro bono work can make a difference in people's lives.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When seeking pro bono services, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:

• Do not assume that you qualify for pro bono services. Not everyone who needs legal assistance qualifies for pro bono services. Contact a legal aid clinic or the Law Society of Singapore's Pro Bono Services Office to determine if you qualify.
• Do not be afraid to ask for help. Many people are hesitant to ask for help, even when they need it. If you are struggling financially and need legal assistance, do not be afraid to contact a legal aid clinic or the Law Society of Singapore's Pro Bono Services Office.
• Do not give up. Even if you do not qualify for pro bono services, there are still other options available to you. You may be able to find a lawyer who is willing to provide you with reduced-fee services, or you may be able to get help from a non-profit organization.

FAQs

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about pro bono services:

• What is pro bono? Pro bono is short for "pro bono publico," which means "for the public good." In the legal context, pro bono refers to legal services that are provided for free to individuals or organizations that cannot afford to pay for them.
• Who qualifies for pro bono services? Not everyone who needs legal assistance qualifies for pro bono services. Generally, pro bono services are only available to individuals or organizations that meet certain financial criteria.
• How can I get pro bono services? You can contact a legal aid clinic, the Law Society of Singapore's Pro Bono Services Office, or a pro bono lawyer directly to inquire about pro bono services.
• What are the benefits of pro bono work? Pro bono work is a rewarding experience for both lawyers and clients. Lawyers who do pro bono work gain valuable experience, develop their legal skills, and make a real difference in the lives of their clients. Clients who receive pro bono services are able to access justice that they would not otherwise be able to afford.
• What are some common mistakes to avoid when seeking pro bono services? Do not assume that you qualify for pro bono services, do not be afraid to ask for help, and do not give up.

Call to Action

If you are in need of legal assistance and cannot afford to pay for it, do not hesitate to contact a legal aid clinic, the Law Society of Singapore's Pro Bono Services Office, or a pro bono lawyer directly. Pro bono services can make a real difference in the lives of those who need them.

Table 1: Pro Bono Hours Donated by Singaporean Lawyers

Table 2: Types of Pro Bono Services Provided by Singaporean Lawyers

Table 3: Organizations that Support Pro Bono Work in Singapore