Pro Bono Lawyers Explained: What They Do and Why It Matters 1 month ago
Pro bono, derived from the Latin phrase "pro bono publico," means "for the public good" — a concept at the heart of the legal profession.
In terms of legal practice, pro bono work often gets overshadowed by the pursuit of the more “lucrative” cases and fields of law. However, prospective lawyers and seasoned practitioners should not dismiss the idea of pro bono work — this article hopes to make you understand, and perhaps remind, of what pro bono lawyers do and why their work matters in the greater society.
What Pro Bono Lawyers Do, Exactly?
Pro bono lawyers provide free legal assistance to indigents.
Pro bono lawyers provide free legal services to individuals or organizations that cannot afford to pay for legal representation, i.e. indigents. Their work spans various areas of law, but their most common areas of specialization, given the nature of pro bono cases, are obligations and contracts, family law, property, and civil rights, with a few criminal cases. The common thread in all of these pro bono cases is that these are cases that might otherwise go unaddressed given the incapability of indigents to afford legal service. So, pro bono work often involves collaboration with non-profit, legal aid organizations, and community groups.
A few examples of the common issues/ disputes pro bono lawyers encounter, among others, are:
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Civil cases for collection of debt;
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Civil cases in relation to obligations and contracts;
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Slight physical injuries under the Revised Penal Code;
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Domestic violence and family law; and
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Property disputes, such as when a person/ family is facing eviction.
If it interests you, the following provides indigents free legal assistance:
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Public Attorney’s Office (PAO);
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Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP);
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Tisya Hustisya; and
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Law school programs such as the Office of Legal Aid (OLA).
Read more about them in detail in Where to Find a Free Lawyer in the Philippines, by yours truly.
So, Why Does Pro Bono Work Matter?
Pro bono lawyers often work on cases that highlight systemic issues within the legal system.
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Making Justice Accessible to Indigents: Unfortunately, many individuals cannot afford legal representation, leading to significant disparities in access to justice. Pro bono lawyers play a crucial role in bridging this gap, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, can seek legal assistance for their legal problems and disputes.
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Skill Development and Opportunities: For law students and new lawyers, engaging in pro bono work offers invaluable practical experience. Handling real cases allows aspiring attorneys to hone their skills in research, writing, negotiation, and courtroom procedures.
A number of law schools in the Philippines, such as the College of Law of the University of the Philippines, engage their students in free legal aid practice through the Office of Legal Aid (OLA).
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Making a Difference: Perhaps the most compelling reason to engage in pro bono work is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in someone’s life, as many indigent clients rely on pro bono lawyers to navigate life-altering situations. The emotional and psychological benefits of helping others cannot be overstated — there is profound satisfaction in knowing that your skills can contribute to positive change.
In fact, the Supreme Court, as of September 2024, is currently drafting rules which will require all lawyers to render at least 060 hours of pro bono legal aid services for indigents every three (30 years during their professional career, which is called the Unified Legal Aid Services (ULAS) program.
Conclusion
The opportunity to make a difference, develop critical skills, and fulfill a professional obligation is not just beneficial; it’s essential.
For law students contemplating their future in the legal profession, dismissing pro bono work as unimportant goes against the essence of what it means to be a lawyer. By embracing the spirit of pro bono work, future lawyers can not only enhance their careers but also ensure that the legal profession remains committed to justice and equality for all.
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