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Straits Times
Sep 10, 2007
Law Society office opens doors to give free legal aid
THE Law Society of Singapore has launched a pro bono or free services office to make legal aid available to people who cannot afford to pay for it.
'No one in Singapore should be bereft of someone to turn to if they should need legal advice or help, including those who cannot afford to pay for it,' said president of the Law Society Mr Philip Jeyaretnam on Monday.
Two pilot community legal clinics have been launched, as part of a new pro bono initiative by the Ministry of Law and the Law Society, with the support of the Singapore Academy of Law and the North-West and South-East Community Development Councils.
The two clinics will provide 'basic legal advice and information to needy Singaporeans and permanent residents', said Mr Jeyaretnam at the official opening at the Subordinate Courts.
'The opening of this Office clearly demonstrates the commitment of the Law Society of Singapore to its mission of serving the community by facilitating access to justice,' said Mr Jeyaretnam .
The pro bono services office encourages lawyers to contribute 25 hours of work a year, he said.
The office will administer the Law Society's pro bono programmes - Project Law Help and the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme - and will also work with the Legal Aid Bureau to develop new schemes.
'This will provide many more avenues for lawyers to volunteer their time to help needy Singaporeans.'
He commended lawyers who have been contributing to helping those in need. 'Over the years now, many lawyers from both large and small firms have been rendering voluntary service quietly behind the scenes in various ways,' he said.
'In these and other ways, lawyers do their part in making Singapore a 'happening' place.'
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