At Ghothane Lawyers, we consider it our professional and social responsibility to contribute to the community. Our lawyers will advise and/or represent a client in cases where the client has no other access to the courts and the legal system. We do not receive grants or funding from the government. The pro bono work done is funded by the Firm.
This policy provides an overarching framework for the management of the Firm pro bono practice and outlines the systems and processes to facilitate the growth of the pro bono practice.
Introduction
- Ghothane Lawyers has a commitment to serve the community by assisting people in a meaningful and life changing way.
- Our pro bono services are based on principles of our responsibility to use our special privileges as lawyers and our ethical duty to assist community members access justice.
- As a business that benefits from the community, Ghothane Lawyers must also contribute to the community. As part of our commitment in making a positive impact on the community, our lawyers will provide free legal advice and representation to clients who meet certain eligibility requirements.
- We assist those clients who do not qualify for Legal Aid but are still in need of legal assistance.
Nature of Pro Bono Work
- Our pro bono work is limited to providing legal advice and legal representation in courts and tribunals.
- We will provide pro bono services primarily in family law, and in limited circumstances, immigration law, such as refugee visa matters.
- Matters involving litigation will only be undertaken in limited circumstances after an assessment to determine whether there is a reasonable prospect of success.
Pro Bono Eligibility
- We will undertake pro bono cases on a case-by-case basis.
- We only undertake matters that have ‘legal merit’, that is, if the matter has prospect of success.
- Clients who can demonstrate a need for legal assistance but do not have access to Legal Aid or otherwise access the legal system without incurring significant financial hardship will be assisted through our pro bono program.
Application Process
- Clients seeking pro bono assistance are required to complete an application form. We will request further information from clients as required.
- The Principal of the Firm has the responsibility to consider the application and any request for assistance including any conflict of interest issues, capacity to undertake the matter and whether the matter is otherwise acceptable and desirable for inclusion in the pro bono program and a client’s means to pay for work or contribute towards disbursements.
- Matters will be allocated to lawyers by the Principal. Participation in pro bono work is encouraged but not mandatory for the lawyers at the Firm.
- Once a pro bono matter has been accepted, we will open a new file and send the client a letter of agreement outlining the scope of work.
Conduct of Pro Bono Work
- Pro bone work undertaken by us will be conducted in the same professional manner, standard and diligence as any other fee based legal work undertaken by the Firm.
Disbursements
- Where work is done on substantially reduced fee or free of charge, professional costs, that is, work done by our lawyers will not be charged to the clients. This includes tasks such as legal research, providing advice, and drafting documents.
- Internal disbursements for administrative tasks, such as photocopying and typing, will not be charged to the clients under any category.
- Clients will be charged for expenses incurred on their behalf for services supplied or payments charged by third parties. We will seek the client’s consent prior to incurring any disbursements.
- If a barrister is required for a case, we will assist in finding a barrister who undertakes pro bono matters.
At Ghothane Lawyers, we consider it our professional and social responsibility to contribute to the community. Our lawyers will advise and/or represent a client in cases where the client has no other access to the courts and the legal system. We do not receive grants or funding from the government. The pro bono work done is funded by the Firm.
This policy provides an overarching framework for the management of the Firm pro bono practice and outlines the systems and processes to facilitate the growth of the pro bono practice.