The Fiji Law Society (FLS) has begun exploring the possibility of having a streamlined process in place to allow more lawyers to take up pro bono cases in the country.
During an inaugural roundtable discussion in Suva on Saturday, FLS president Wylie Clarke said this was the initial move to get the ball rolling.
Many Fijian lawyers in the country take up pro bono cases, however, this is mostly done in an ad hoc and off-the-cuff manner rather than being guided by a streamlined process.
Speaking at the discussion, Assistant Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran expressed her support for the initiative.
“I would hope that well-organised, structured and well-promoted pro bono services would not be seen as a burden, but a benefit,” she said.
“In most areas of law, learning a new area – such as child maintenance, or criminal procedure – adds valuable skills. If it is true that the law applies in the same way to everybody, these are skills that paying clients also need.”
Ms Kiran said there was no reason why pro bono work done by lawyers could not be promoted.
“Good pro bono performers earn the respect of their peers and their clients, particularly at a time when consumers and shareholders expect corporate social responsibility from the companies they deal with.
In addition, she said society also promoted an increasing focus on corporate ethical values.
Meanwhile, Legal Aid Commission director Seremaia Waqainabete also expressed his support for such an initiative.
“Well, that’s very welcome by our office, we would appreciate any assistance that is rendered to us in this respect given the staffing issues that we have,” he said.
“We can’t do more than the budget that we are given so this pro bono initiative is a good one for us and of course, it also gives private practitioners a sense of responsibility and also helping out
their fellow Fijians.”
To assist with the process, FLS engaged lawyers who are part of Australian Volunteers International.
The project is funded by UK International Development through its Integrated Security Fund.
Pro bono is a Latin term, which means professional work that is undertaken voluntarily and without payment.
