legal aid bureau annual review 2012

Transcription

55th
Anniversary
1958 - 2013
LEGAL AID BUREAU ANNUAL REVIEW 2012
01
Introduction
04
Addressing a Diverse and Broader
Demographic
Mission, Vision and Values
Minister’s Message
Legal Aid and Advice Act
08
Building on a Tradition of
Organisational Excellence
Paperless Case Management
Singapore Quality Class
12
The Year in Review
18
55 Years of Compassion in Law
Contents
34
Awards
Calendar of Events for FY2012
Planting the Seeds of Legal Aid in
Singapore’s Judicial System
Our Heritage
Number of Cases Registered
The Early Years
The Next Lap
Directors of Legal Aid
Legal Aid Reviews, 1986 and 2003
External Assignment Unit
Ms Prema Nadesan
Legal Executives
Ms Intan Salim
Ms Wynne Ng
Legal Officers
Ms Cassandra Cheong
Mr Goh Kiat Yi
Customer Service
Mr Low Aik Keong
Introduction
The Legal Aid Bureau (LAB) is a vital and integral part of Singapore’s legal system in facilitating access to justice for the less privileged. Founded in
1 July 1958 and governed by the Legal Aid and Advice Act (Cap. 160) and the Legal Aid and Advice Regulations (Revised Edition 1996), the Bureau
has provided quality legal aid, advice and assistance to a full range of civil cases including matrimonial related cases, claims, probate and property
matters. Registering only 854 cases in its first year of operation, the Bureau now handles approximately 10,000 registered cases annually that
are managed by its legal officers and aided by its growing pool of assigned solicitors and volunteer lawyers who undertake pro bono legal work.
To date the Bureau has assisted more than 300,000 legal aid applicants who have come forward to seek legal redress, to enforce and protect
their legal rights, and to claim and defend what is rightfully theirs as governed by the law. Professional assistance rendered by the Bureau takes
a holistic form to include the services of other volunteer bodies such as charitable organisations and self-help groups as well as social service
advisers. The Bureau maintains regular dialogue sessions with a range of partners, including the Family Court, the Syariah Court, the Central
Provident Fund Board and the Community Mediation Centre.
The Bureau's Pro Bono Development Unit proactively reaches out to the community and the legal fraternity to nurture and encourage the pro
bono spirit among the young and professionals alike. It conducts briefings and makes presentations to private law firms, universities and schools
to promote its assigned solicitors scheme and internship programmes, garnering a significant rise in participation.
Strengthening the Pro Bono Spirit
Building the Pro Bono Spirit
Our Esteemed Partners (Assigned Solicitors)
Ms Duraipandi d/o Ganaselvarani
Ms Hawa Zinat Jailani
Ms Lim May Li
Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim
Our Esteemed Partners (Non-Assigned
Solicitors)
Ms Michele Sharmini Rasanayagam
Our Esteemed Partners (Partner Volunteer)
Mr Charles Lee Kang Sung
Student Internship and Attachment
Programme
Ms Cheryl Lim
Ms Sarah Nadiah Marican
Mission
Vision
Core Values
To Provide Quality Legal
Aid and Advice to Persons
of Limited Means
Blazing Trails in the
Compassionate Practice
of the Law
∙ Trust & Integrity
LAB’s personal and corporate actions are founded in trust and integrity
∙ Passion & Compassion
LAB embraces compassion for others and a passion to act proactively as the twin
pillars of service
∙ Teamwork & Innovation
LAB recognises that as a team, LAB is a learning organisation embracing
innovation as the key to blazing trails
“
As LAB celebrates its 55th
year this year, I am happy to note
that it has and continues to carry
out its mission to provide quality
legal aid and advice to the less
privileged.
K. Shanmugam
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law
Minister’s Message
The Legal Aid Bureau has come a long way since commencing operations on 1 July 1958.
As it celebrates its 55th year this year, I am happy to note that it has and continues to carry
out its mission to provide quality legal aid and advice to the less privileged. Over the years,
the Bureau has helped thousands of people with their legal matters, assisting the less welloff to have their voices heard in our courts. The Bureau’s caseload has burgeoned from 854
registered cases in its first year of operation, to 10,031 cases in FY2012. These cases are
handled not just by the Bureau’s 70 dedicated employees, but also by lawyers from private
law firms who are part of the Bureau’s panel of assigned solicitors.
Another major milestone for the Bureau this year was the passing of the amendments to the
Legal Aid and Advice Act in February 2013. The amendments widened the coverage of legal
aid, by expanding the existing deductibles and creating new deductibles for the disposable
income and capital criteria under the Means Test. As a result of these amendments, an
estimated 300,000 more Singaporeans and Permanent Residents are expected to be eligible
for legal aid.
With the changes in the Legal Aid and Advice Act, the number of registered cases is
expected to increase. I am heartened to note the rise in the number of volunteer lawyers
coming forward to offer their help. I am also grateful for the Bureau’s partners such as the
Law Society of Singapore, the National Council of Social Service and the THK Family Service
Centre @ Tanjong Pagar. This community network of services ensures that the Bureau will
continue to provide quality legal aid to persons of limited means.
On this note, I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed to
the Bureau over the past 55 years. I thank the staff for their dedication and commitment, and
commend them for upholding the Bureau’s values of compassion and passion. I applaud the
Bureau’s volunteers for their generosity in reaching out and helping persons in need. To its
partners, I thank them for helping the Bureau in providing more than just legal services to its
applicants. I am confident that the Bureau will continue to ensure access to justice to those
who need but cannot afford basic legal services.
Congratulations on your 55th Anniversary.
02 Legal Aid Bureau Annual Review 2012
Legal Aid Bureau Annual Review 2012
03
“
From its inception in 1958
till now, the number of cases
handled by the Legal Aid Bureau
has steadily increased. The Legal
Officers and non-legal staff of the
Bureau manage caseloads in the
thousands, with the help of our
assigned solicitors. On the Bureau's
part, continual efforts are made
to enhance the staff's capabilities
and to build their community
spirit, as well as to improve our
organizational efficiency.
Legal Aid and Advice Act
Amendments to the Legal Aid and Advice Act
The Legal Aid and Advice (Amendment) Act 2013 adopts a
consultative approach to its implementation by taking into
account valuable feedback from Members of Parliament.
Following the last review in 2007, the latest amendments to
the Act seek to grant legal aid to a wider cross section of the
populace in tandem with the higher general cost of living.
Prior to the amendments, the coverage of legal aid is about 17 per cent of Singaporeans
and Permanent Residents. With these amendments, the Bureau estimates that the Act
will now cover about 25 per cent of Singaporeans and Permanent Residents. This
would translate to about another 300,000 persons who can be covered under the Act.
Mr Tan Puay Boon,
Director of Legal Aid
For Rent
$10,000 or Less
Qualify for Legal Aid
Gross Salary (1 Year)
Addressing a Diverse and
Broader Demographic
The Legal Aid Bureau expects an additional 300,000 people to be eligible for legal aid as a
result of amendments to the Legal Aid and Advice Act that came into effect in July 2013. In
anticipation of this surge in demand for legal assistance, the Bureau is cognisant of the need
to stay dynamic, proactive and resilient to respond to the changing social landscape and
evolving demographic.
up to $6,000 for Dependents
CPF (1 Year)
$6,000 for Personal Expenses
Rental (Up to $20,000/year)
Benefiting More People
An Applicant’s Disposable Income is Calculated by:
By expanding the existing deductibles for both income
and capital, and creating new deductibles, the new
means testing criteria allow applicants in higher income
brackets to be eligible for legal aid.
• Adding his annual income with that of his spouse and
• Deducting the permitted deductibles, for example, Central Provident Fund (CPF)
contributions and expenses for daily expenses, while
Disposable Capital is Calculated by:
• Taking the value of all the applicant’s assets, for example private property,
savings and other assets and
• Deducting the value of permitted deductibles
Disposable Income Deductibles
An applicant can now deduct the following when calculating his disposable income:
• $6,000 for his own expenses
• Up to $6,000 for his spouse's expenses
• Up to $6,000 for the maintenance of each dependent
• Up to $20,000 for rent
Addressing a Diverse and Broader Demographic
05
Pre-Amendment Means Test
Indicative Income Levels of Persons who qualify for Legal Aid
Means Test
Gross Income
per annum ($)
Applicant with
No Dependant
Applicant with
1 Dependant
Applicant with
2 Dependants
Applicant with
3 Dependants
Applicant with
4 Dependants
18,125.00
22,500.00
26,875.00
31,250.00
35,625.00
CPF (20%) ($)
3,625.00
4,500.00
5,375.00
6,250.00
7,125.00
Personal Relief ($)
4,500.00
4,500.00
4,500.00
4,500.00
4,500.00
Rental ($)
-
-
-
-
-
Deduction for Dependant ($)
-
3,500.00
7,000.00
10.500.00
14,000.00
Disposable Income ($)
10,000.00
10,000.00
10,000.00
10,000.00
10,000.00
Gross Income per month ($)
1,510.42
1,875.00
2,239.58
2,604.17
2,968.75
Less
Means Test Under the New Amendments
Indicative Income Levels of Persons who qualify for Legal Aid (With Maximum Dependant Relief)
Means Test
Gross Income
per annum ($)
Applicant with
No Dependant
Applicant with
1 Dependant
Applicant with
2 Dependants
Applicant with
3 Dependants
Applicant with
4 Dependants
20,000.00
27,500.00
35,000.00
42,500.00
50,000.00
CPF (20%) ($)
4,000.00
5,500.00
7,000.00
8,500.00
10,000.00
Personal Relief ($)
6,000.00
6,000.00
6,000.00
6,000.00
6,000.00
Rental ($)
-
-
-
-
-
Deduction for Dependant ($)
-
6,000.00
12,000.00
18,000.00
24,000.00
Disposable Income ($)
10,000.00
10,000.00
10,000.00
10,000.00
10,000.00
Gross Income per month ($)
1,666.67
2,291.67
2,916.67
3,541.67
4,166.67
Less
06 Addressing a Diverse and Broader Demographic
Disposable Capital Deductibles
An applicant's disposable capital, that is, cash assets
or other property which may be sold, must not exceed
$10,000. Disposable capital includes land, houses,
other buildings, mortgages, money in hand or in banks,
building societies or other financial institutions, monies
loaned to or held by any other person, monies due from
any estate or any interest not yet payable under any will
or trust settlement, the present value of any life or other
assurance policy, shares in any company, bonds of any
kind, vehicles, goods or chattels of any kind.
An applicant's Housing Development Board (HDB)
flat, if owned exclusively by the applicant and his
family as their home, is excluded from the Means Test,
though private homes valued at $13,000 and above
are included. This amount is the net annual value of
their private property, which is the amount the Inland
Revenue Authority of Singapore considers fair annual
rental value for the property, after allowable expenses
are deducted.
07
“
Even as the Legal Aid Bureau
improves its systems and processes,
we will always keep our mission
uppermost in our minds – that is,
to help the less privileged with
their legal issues. We must never
lose focus on why we are here and
whom we are helping.
Building on a
Tradition of
Organisational
Excellence
Guided by its core values of Trust,
Integrity, Compassion, Passion, Teamwork
and Innovation, the Legal Aid Bureau is
steadfast in its mission to offer legal aid,
advice, assistance and a quality of service
that is benchmarked against world-class
best practices. It is unwavering in its
commitment to achieve the best possible
results for its applicants. Its people, the
backbone of the organisation, strive to
give their all as they join ranks to serve the
less fortunate in our society. The advent of
the information age and the harnessing
of modern technology ensure that the
Bureau is in a vantage position to make
even greater strides in this endeavour.
I always tell my colleagues, “Picture
yourself in the other person’s
shoes, and then ask yourself how
you would want to be treated if
you were them. Then you can’t go
wrong.” I hope the Bureau will be a
place where this sort of attitude
will prevail. Forever.
Mr Louis D'Souza,
Senior Deputy Director
Teamwork and Innovation are two principal values and attributes that the Legal
Aid Bureau has identified to be key elements that would be critical in rising to the
challenge of addressing a diverse and broader demographic. The work undertaken by
the Bureau is often demanding, even difficult. The changes to the means testing also
meant that the cases would increase in both numbers and complexity.
As such, the Bureau is innovating to enhance its productivity. The deployment of
information technology is also an ongoing initiative.
Business Transformation
The Legal Aid Bureau’s business transformation journey began in 2012 with the start
of a Business Process Re-engineering study by external consultants. One of the key
priorities was to improve the Bureau’s service delivery to the public. There were also
many legacy and structural issues to consider − workflows, systems and organisation
were examined − with the view of progressing towards a paperless case management
system as envisaged in the Ministry of Law’s IT Master Plan.
Changes have now been made to the organisation structure and workflow. With
the revamp to the workflow, e-mail inquiries from members of the public and
replies to letters from Members of Parliament are now dealt with more efficiently
and consistently. To smoothen workflow and reduce handover of files, the duties of
the secretaries and litigation assistants were merged and they now function more
efficiently as one section. The duties of the applications section, legal executives, and
those who performed a dual role were also rationalised. Whereas before, there were
three distinct groups of officers working on a case at different stages, their duties
have now been unified so that one officer will work on a case from the start to the
end. This would benefit applicants who now have a case officer as a single point of
contact at the Bureau.
In the process of effecting change, the business transformation working committee
developed clear plans for communication, change management and training, which
helped the Bureau’s officers overcome the uncertainties relating to change and their
fears. The committee’s challenge of re-training officers has been made much easier by
their willingness and ability to learn and to adapt to change. Business transformation
is still on-going at the Bureau. The next phase is the development of the new paperless
case management system.
Building on a Tradition of Organisational Excellence
09
Paperless Case Management
The paperless case management system and applicants are still conducted via paper media that
is a prime example of steps taken by involves sending documents and status updates via
post, facsimile and official letters. Applicants will also
the Bureau to expedite work flow and hand the Bureau paper documents that are filed away
streamline its processes. Expected to be afterwards.
launched in 2015, the new system will
offer a total package to include e-services, A Necessary Back-up
mobile services, integrated document Electronic case files would help in the execution of
management systems, electronic data the Bureau’s Business Continuity Plan in the event of
an unfortunate disaster. If such a situation occurs, the
interface with other government agencies Bureau would still be able to resume its function by
and an advanced case management relying on the electronic files. Its legal officers could
still have access to the necessary files even from remote
system.
Singapore Quality Class
It will benefit the general public and the Bureau’s
applicants with faster turnaround time such as when
checking on legal aid eligibility and case status. With
this e-service, the public can also save on making a
trip to the Bureau to hand in their documents. The
number of appointments for aid assessment would also
be reduced with these streamlined processes. At the
organisation level, the paperless process would reduce
manual administrative work. This would in turn optimise
manpower in an eco-friendly office environment.
To attain the SQC certification, the Bureau was assessed
in five key areas: leadership, planning, processes, people
and customer service. The rigorous certification process
required the Bureau and its staff to study the different
categories being audited and to ensure that any gaps
highlighted by the SQC assessors were addressed and
rectifications made, if necessary.
locations and continue to work.
Once implemented, the project is expected to reap
substantial cost savings annually. This can be measured
by the time saved across the organisation as well as
from the reduced need to print and fax. Staff could be
moved up to perform higher value-adding tasks and
prime filing space will be freed up.
The Bureau’s assigned solicitors and other volunteers
stand to benefit too. They would be able to update and
edit case status and submit documents online anytime
via the assigned solicitor portal, when in the past they
had to rely on off-line delivery and communication
modes such as courier or facsimile. Undergraduate
law students can self-manage their participation in the
Bureau’s internship and pro-bono activities.
The Impetus to Go Green
Currently, the Bureau relies on paper documents in
the course of handling legal cases; these are stored
manually in case files. At present there are about 10,500
paper case files and these are expected to increase in
tandem with the adjusted means test criteria.
Only a few documents are stored electronically; a
hardcopy is usually printed as a fall-back measure.
Communication with solicitors, government agencies
A Complete and Comprehensive Reference
Point
Currently, only legal officers’ interview notes and legal
advice dispensed to legal aid applicants are captured
in the Legal Aid Management Portal (LAMP). The new
paperless system seeks to provide a more complete
archive of each case by documenting case minutes and
other relevant documents electronically, providing legal
officers with a complete picture and a comprehensive
reference point of information required for court
attendance.
The present LAMP system had successfully consolidated
previously disparate systems, namely the case
registration, case tracking and appointment booking
system with an additional financial module added on
later. It monitors and manages the thousands of case
files and assigns registered cases to the Bureau’s legal
officers automatically, ensuring that each legal officer
receives an even share of the caseload. It had used the
best technology of the day at the time it was launched
but with the availability of today's more advanced
technology that offers a more intuitive user interface
and a faster search and retrieval function, it made
for a persuasive case to avail to these advantages.
To migrate to the new system, the ground has been
laid – the Bureau’s operational processes are being
streamlined and the organisation suitably restructured
– in readiness for its implementation. Everyone’s cooperation has been sought and change management
has been properly thought through and planned for.
The wheels of change have begun to turn for a new
cutting edge information management system that will
catapult the Bureau to the forefront of organisational
re-engineering.
The Bureau’s ongoing quest for
organisational excellence has received
official recognition in the form of the
Singapore Quality Class, Singapore Service
Class and the ISO 9001:2000 certification.
It was first awarded the Singapore Quality
Class (SQC) certification for overall
business excellence standard, in 2003 and
subsequently in 2006. It obtained the SQC
Star Award in March 2010.
In the process, the Bureau’s SQC working committee had
to anticipate changes for the future. At the most recent
renewal, the Bureau had to consider its role in social
responsibility, in line with the rising trend for corporate
social accountability. The committee supported its
findings in this regard with the requisite documentation.
Training and Development
A better-trained and happy workforce makes for a higher
quality of work and a pleasant working environment. A
place of warm camaraderie, the Bureau aims to continue
nurturing this team spirit and to improve the training
and development of individual officers.
It conducts a comprehensive continuing education
programme for both legal officers and other staff
members in both legal and non-legal matters covering
topics such as family law, Syariah law, medical
negligence, Singapore’s social assistance schemes and
mental health issues. To build teamwork, every year,
the Bureau organises an off-site corporate retreat that
features a whole-day event comprising team building
activities and group discussions on the challenges
facing the Bureau and the strategic directions it should
steer towards in the future.
Building on a Tradition of Organisational Excellence
11
The Year in Review
The year in review continues to see a upward trend of members
of the public coming forward to seek legal aid and assistance.
Between FY2006 and FY2012, the number of cases
registered with the Legal Aid Bureau ranged between
9,000 to 10,000. In FY2012, the number of cases
registered stood at 10,031. This number is expected to
increase with the amendments to the means test that
took effect in July 2013.
10,082
9,835
9,747
10,365
9,775
9,755
10,031
7,895
3,217
5,786
5,268
4,306
3,785
3,536
3,311
3,171
6,453
6,354
6,218
6,087
5,560
4,872 5,008
1,999
443
336
FY05
The Year in Review
FY2012 saw a slight upsurge in the total number of cases registered with
the Legal Aid Bureau over the last three years. The Bureau continued to
play a significant role in family law with matrimonial matters accounting
for half of the 10,031 cases handled in total. While supported largely by
its team of in-house legal officers, the Bureau also built on its legal talent
pool by drawing strength from its panel of assigned solicitors who provide
an extended arm in managing about one third of cases taken in by the
Bureau. From 34 new assigned solicitors recruited in FY2010, the number
has since swelled by nearly two-fold to 63 in FY2012.
446
FY06
417
FY07
Total No. of Cases Registered
376
FY08
No. of Aid Cases
201
184
FY09
FY10
No. of Advice Cases
151
FY11
FY12
No. of Assistance Cases
Cases Registered Versus Cases Above Means
12000
10000
10,082
9,747
9,835
981
811
715
FY06
FY07
FY08
10,365
9,755
9,775
10,031
746
835
827
996
FY09
FY10
FY11
FY12
7,895
8000
6000
4000
2000
446
0
FY05
Total No. of Cases Registered
No. of Cases Above Means
The Year in Review
13
Legal Aid Applications by Educational Level FY12
Profile of Applicants by Subject Matter FY12
Matrimonial
University
3.8%
Diploma
6.6%
Tertiary
A Level
3.3%
3.2%
O Level
Matrimonial cases account for 50.8% of
the total number of cases handled. Claims
(11.0%), probate (6.1%), property matters
(3.6%) and adoption cases (0.5%) accounted
for the remaining caseload.
50.8%
15.1%
7.2%
N Level
Secondary
Applicants with primary-level education accounted for the
highest number of applicants, forming 27.0% of the total number
who applied for legal aid. This was followed by applicants with
secondary-level and O-level education who accounted for 25.9%
and 15.1% respectively, a trend consistent with earlier years.
25.9%
Female
Primary
Male
Others
28.0%
Claims
Probate
27.0%
Profile of Applicants by Gender FY12
55% of the total number of applicants
are women.They had approached the
Bureau for help in resolving matrimonial,
family-related issues and other matters.
5.4%
Vocational
2.5%
No Education
63
55.1%
11.0%
51
44.9%
42
6.1%
34
27
3.6%
Property Matters
18
0.5%
Adoption
43
13
11
4
Profile of Applicants by Age Group FY12
FY07
15
10
FY08
FY09
FY10
No. of New Assigned Solicitors
FY11
FY12
No. of New Active Assigned Solicitors
205
156
130
111
21 - 30
13.0%
>30 - 40
>40 - 50
21.1%
>50 - 60
28.7%
140
154
14.8%
In terms of age group, 28.7% were aged between 40 and 50, 22.4% were aged between 50 and 60, and 21.1% were aged between 30 and 40.
The number of new assigned solicitors rose from 34 in
FY2010 to 63 in FY2012, an 85% jump. Over the same
period, the number of participants for the Bureau’s
internship and attachment programmes grew from 77
to 102, a strong indication that its various outreach and
community programmes have gained traction and are
drawing active participation from volunteers.
In FY2012, the number of active assigned solicitors
increased significantly by 33% over the last year.
>60
22.4%
}
The Bureau saw a steady increase in
the number of new sign-ups under
its assigned solicitors and volunteer
lawyers schemes as well as for its
internship and attachment programmes.
FY07
FY08
FY09
FY10
FY11
FY12
No. of Active Assigned Solicitors
14 The Year in Review
The Year in Review
15
Calendar of Events
for FY2012
April 2012
Awards
• Briefing on Security Awareness
• Professor Debbie Ong’s Annual talk
List of awards presented at the annual Ministry of Law and Attorney-General’s Chambers
National Day Awards Investiture and Appreciation Dinner held on 18 October 2012 at Singapore
Marriott Hotel.
• Briefing for new volunteer lawyers
National Day Award – The Public Service Medal
• Talk on Give Another Lifeline (GAL)
Mdm Salehah Bte Johari
September 2012
Legal Aid Bureau
Minister for Law Outstanding Volunteer Award
Mr Mohamed Muzammil Bin Mohamed
Muzammil & Co.
Minister for Law Appreciation Award
Mr Mohamed Muzammil Bin Mohamed
Mr Renganathan Nandakumar
Mr Tan Kim Chiang
Muzammil & Co.
RHTLaw Taylor Wessing LLP
Angela Wong & Co.
Legal Aid Bureau Appreciation Award
Mr Chan Hian Young
Mr Rabi Ahmad s/o M Abdul Ravoof
Mr Soo Poh Huat
Allen & Gledhill LLP
Rabi Ahmad & Co.
Soo Poh Huat & Co.
Legal Aid Bureau Amicus Award
Mr Maximilian Koh
Mr Lim Tanguy
Ong Siew Ling, Debbie
• Talk on Employee Engagement Survey
• Talk on Timelines
October 2012
• Talk at Drew & Napier LLC
• Talk on Syariah Court Matters
November 2012
• Talk on Maintenance Proceedings
• Briefing by Pro Bono Services Office, The Law Society of Singapore
December 2012
• Talk on Police Procedures
January 2013
Counsellor, THK Family Service Centre @ Tanjong Pagar
Director, Pro Bono Services Office, The Law Society of Singapore
Associate Professor, Faculty of Law, The National University
of Singapore
Legal Aid Bureau Best Contribution from Law Firm Award
Drew & Napier LLC
Bih Li & Lee
Michael Khoo & Partners
June 2012
Salehah & Co
National Day Award – The Efficiency Model
Mrs Junainah Shah Rodriquez
May 2012
Large-sized Firm − Silver Award
Medium-sized Firm − Gold Award
Medium-sized Firm − Gold Award
• Tea Session for new assigned solicitors
February 2013
• Interview and filming by MediaCorp with Director of Legal Aid and assigned
solicitors, Mr Krishnan Sivanandam and Mrs Tan-Goh Song Gek Alice
The Year in Review
17
55 Years of
Compassion in Law
Over the course of 55 years, the Legal Aid Bureau has provided quality aid, advice and
assistance to hundreds of thousands of applicants who might otherwise have been denied
access to justice due to the prohibitive costs of legal representation. By providing the less
privileged with the professional assistance and advice necessary to order their lives, enforce
their rights or to defend themselves against lawsuits, the Bureau has played a critical role
in binding the community together.
Planting the Seeds of Legal Aid in
Singapore’s Judicial System
The Legal Aid Bureau commenced operations on 1 July
1958 from an office in the Ministry of Labour on Havelock
Road, charting a milestone that made Singapore the
first country in Southeast Asia to implement a legal
aid scheme. The seeds of its founding, however began
much earlier. On 26 April 1955, the First Chief Minister,
Mr David Marshall first mooted the idea of legal aid
in the Legislative Assembly after he was elected and
invited to form the Government that year.
Mr Marshall was of the view that the justice system was
“one of the principal pillars of the development of this
territory”. He highlighted how the high cost of legal
assistance often made it impossible for people to obtain
the full protection of the law. At the time, the social
welfare system did provide free legal advice but he
envisioned something more substantive and adequate,
on a much larger scale.
Against the backdrop of a nation struggling with postwar acute shortages such as food supply, housing
and transportation, legal aid could well have been
considered irrelevant. The threat of worker unrest and
communist influence made it even less important.
However, credit must be given to the Government of the
day for pressing ahead with its vision of having a legal
aid scheme.
Shortly after taking office in 1955, Mr Marshall sent Mr
Lim Yew Hock, the Minister of Labour and Welfare and
Mr Tan Thoon Lip, the Registrar of the Supreme Court to
Sydney, Australia to study the New South Wales Legal
Aid system. Following which, the Legal Aid and Advice
Bill was drafted and presented by Mr Lim Yew Hock and
read for the first time on 4 April 1956. A second reading
took place on 6 June that same year.
In his speech, Mr Lim pointed out that while private
efforts were helpful, it would take the State’s involvement
to ensure that legal aid was widely and continuously
accessible. He made two recommendations that remain
relevant till today – that a means test be devised to
exclude the financially undeserving, and a merits test be
put in place to deter baseless or vexatious claims.
19
Our Heritage
Evolution of Legal Aid
in Singapore
1958
1977
1959
1978
1960
1979
1996
1961
1980
1997
1962
1981
1998
1963
1982
1999
1964
1983
2000
1965
1984
2001
1966
1985
2002
1967
1986
2003
1968
1987
2004
1969
1988
2005
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1989
2006
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1990
2007
1972
1991
2008
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1992
2009
1974
1993
2010
1975
1994
2011
1976
1995
2012
0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000 12000
1956
1957
1958
The Legal Aid and Advice
Ordinance was passed
at a meeting of the
Legislative Assembly on
6 June 1956 and assented
to by His Excellency
Governor Sir Robert Black
on 12 June 1956.
Part 1 of the Legal Aid
and Advice Ordinance
which dealt with the
appointment of Legal
Aid Bureau Officers came
into operation on 1 July
1957. The first Director
of Legal Aid, Mr S E Teh,
was appointed with effect
from that day.
The Legal Aid and Advice (Amendment) Bill was passed after the third reading on 11 June
1958. The Legal Aid and Advice (Amendment) Ordinance, 1958, came into operation on
1 July 1958 and the Bureau commenced its mission henceforth.
Provision would be made for contributory legal aid
under this scheme, that is, some contribution payments
would be made by aided persons for the services they
received so that a larger section of the population
would be able to benefit from it, a practice that remains
to the present day. This formed the foundation of the
Bureau’s assigned solicitor scheme that has grown and
flourished over the years.
0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000 12000
0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000 12000
In October 1964, the Bureau began to offer assistance
to applicants involved in proceedings before the Syariah
Court, allowing the Bureau to possibly extend free legal
advisory to Muslim applicants who sought assistance
on matters pertaining to marriage, divorce and other
related legal issues.
In its first year of operation, in 1958, the Bureau registered 854 applicants, an average
of three cases a day, a mere fraction of the total number of cases the Bureau deals with
today. The legal team was smaller too, in line with the lighter caseload. It consisted
of the very first Director of Legal Aid, Mr S E Teh and a handful of legal officers and
support staff. Since then, the Bureau’s workload grew quickly. The number of new
applicants registered more than tripled in the subsequent years. There were 3,075 new
applications in 1959 and 3,259 in 1960.
The rapid rise in the number of cases registered prompted the Minister for Labour and
Law, Mr K M Byrne to speak on the need for the Bureau to expand its services in civil
litigation in his address to the Legislative Assembly on 4 August 1960. Free legal aid
would no longer be the sole responsibility of the Government. A scheme would be
devised so that the Bar could also play a role in this regard.
20 55 Years of Compassion in Law
21
The Early Years
Directors of Legal Aid
The Bureau’s early priorities were to handle as many
applicants as possible, although its office premises were
much smaller. In its fledgling days, the Bureau’s office
on Havelock Road was about twice the size of a Housing
Development Board (HDB) four-room flat, or about 180
square metres. The manpower strength, according to
Mr Prabhakaran Menon, a retired interpreter with the
Bureau, comprised about five legal officers, including
the Director Mr S E Teh, a filing clerk, a finance officer, a
record keeper, a personal assistant for the director, four
interpreters and two investigators, making a total of
about 15 staff members, as compared to today’s current
staff strength of about 70.
1957 – 1959
1959 – 1961
1961 – 1965
1965
1965 – 1972
1972 – 1985
1985 – 1986
1986 – 1987
1987
1987 – 1991
1991 – 1993
1993 – 2001 2001 – 2007
2007 till todate
Mr S E Teh
Mr Tan Boon Teik
Mr E H D’Netto
Mr M Sundram
Mr Lim Ewe Huat
Mr K S Rajah
Mr Ibrahim Burhan
Mr Syed Alwee B Ahmad Alsree
Mr Adab Singh s/o Teja Singh
Dr S Chandra Mohan
Mr Colin Chai Chee Chin
Ms Tan Peck Cheng
Mr Sowaran Singh
Mr Tan Puay Boon
The Next Lap
The second half of the Bureau’s history coincided with
its transfer from the Ministry of Social Affairs to the
Ministry of Law on 1 September 1984. It later moved
to a new home at Colombo Court on 14 February 1987.
The move was necessary to house a significantly higher
number of case files. When Colombo Court had to make
way for the new Supreme Court, the Bureau found a
new address, at its current home at The URA Centre East
Wing on Maxwell Road.
A new work style accompanied these series of moves.
Information technology made a distinct presence in the
form of mainframe computers and personal desktops,
evolving to the current trend and proliferation of laptops
and notebooks to help the Bureau and its officers
perform their tasks more expeditiously and to enhance
workplace productivity. The Legal Aid Bureau Reviews
in 1986 and 2003 further improved the Bureau’s work
processes and procedures.
In the early days, staff did most of their training on the job. Letters were handwritten
or typed and records were kept manually. Considerable time was spent investigating
applicants’ means with some of them requiring home visits. These laborious processes
together with the quicker pace of litigation precipitated the need for new ways to
handle work more efficiently and effectively. To meet these challenges, the Bureau
instituted changes to streamline its internal processes, provide continuing education
for its staff and harness the power of information technology.
As a result, fewer of the Bureau staff needed to conduct home
visits to collate means data. Currently, the collation of means
data is done at the Bureau, using information provided by the
applicant or obtained from other government agencies. To deal
with the influx of cases, one-third of them were assigned to the
Panel of Solicitors.
Legal Aid Reviews,
1986 and 2003
The Legal Aid Review of 1986 made key recommendations
on how the Bureau could improve its work processes
to lift service quality and to prevent the abuse of aid
that included more stringent screening procedures for
applicants. A decision was also made to assign more
cases to private solicitors.
The 2003 review was spearheaded by an external
consultant engaged by the Bureau to further streamline
the Bureau’s work processes and to optimise staff
efficiency. Information technology and staff training
were also highlighted as areas that could contribute
to the Bureau’s vision of a dynamic and progressive
organisation that could meet and respond to the
demands of the 21st century.
23
There are many improvements that are in the pipeline, especially
in terms of managing our assignments and relationship with our
assigned solicitors, for example, a portal which would facilitate
our communication with them.
I was appointed as the Head of External Assignment
Unit (EAU) in July 2009 and as the unit’s Manager in
April 2013. I am in charge of managing cases that are
assigned out to the Bureau’s panel of assigned solicitors
and ensure that the cases that are externally assigned
progress smoothly and in an expeditious manner.
External
Assignment Unit
As the Manager of EAU, I have been given substantial
autonomy to conceptualise new ideas for workflow
improvements. We are always thinking of ways to
increase our efficiency quotient. I like this environment
which encourages creativity and find it immensely
rewarding that my contributions are welcomed and
recognised.
Over the last 13 years, I have witnessed positive
changes within the Bureau. The means test has been
revised a few times to allow for greater access to
justice. Generally, applicants now are better informed
due to wider access to the internet or they may have
friends and relatives who may be able to advise them.
Maintaining professionalism and doing your best to
help deal with their issues are some ways to ensure that
they are happy.
“
I like this
environment
which
encourages
creativity and
find it immensely
rewarding that
my contributions
are welcomed
and recognised.
Ms Prema Nadesan,
Manager External Assignment Unit
Legal Aid Bureau
The Bureau has also moved from using solely paper
files to being partially paperless in 2005. Apart from
the changes within the Bureau, there have also been
external changes like the introduction of electronic filing
of court documents. Our staff have always risen to the
challenge and embraced these changes.
There are many improvements that are in the pipeline,
especially in terms of managing our assignments and
relationship with our assigned solicitors, such as a
portal which would facilitate our communication with
them. Apart from this, I would also like to see more
assigned solicitors coming forward to take up our cases,
and the formation of a large pool of pro bono lawyers
who specialise in areas of law that require specific
expertise. This could build up a strong precedent base
which can serve as reference material for our own Legal
Officers, assigned solicitors, interns or even lawyers in
private practice.
The senior management of the Bureau is very kind
and understanding, and very empathetic towards staff
facing family-related issues. They show willingness to
make adjustments to work routines and job scopes
to assist staff to balance work and family. I have
established good relationships with my colleagues and
I am partial to the family-like environment here. These
are the reasons why I have stayed on in this job for so
many years.
25
The Bureau functions like a family and my colleagues are very
encouraging and supportive. I also like the nurturing and learning
culture. We have lunch-time educational talks that are relevant
to our work and general well-being.
Legal Executives
I have been with the Legal Aid Bureau for about 15 years,
attending to legal aid applicants’ requests pertaining
to their divorce and settlements as well as preparing
and afterwards filing the relevant documents to court.
Additionally, I undertake administrative, coordinating
and mentoring roles for my younger and newer
colleagues. I was acting as a Malay interpreter for legal
officers before assuming my current responsibilities.
When I meet my applicants, I will lay out the facts
for them so that they can make informed decisions.
Sometimes, parties meet me for a pre-divorce
discussion. During this session, I make sure that they
are clear of the objective of the meeting, which is to
try and explore a settlement on the ancillary issues so
that they can have an amicable closure to their divorce
proceedings.
“
I derive
utmost
satisfaction
when a case
is completed,
producing the
applicant’s
desired outcome.
Ms Intan Salim,
Legal Executive
Legal Aid Bureau
Applicants today ask more questions about the
processes involved and the pertinent legal issues as
they are now better informed due to the advent of the
internet and widespread use of social media. In addition
to the relevant in-house training sessions, on-the-job
training by my mentors has helped me deal with the
different challenges in my role.
The Bureau functions like a family and my colleagues
are very encouraging and supportive. I also like the
nurturing and learning culture. We have lunch-time
educational talks that are relevant to our work and
general well-being. Our supervisors’ understanding and
efforts in maintaining an ideal work-life balance makes
for a very heartwarming environment.
What is it that keeps me going for fifteen years in the
Bureau? It is the satisfaction when a case is completed,
producing the applicant’s desired outcome. My job
requires me to attend to a case from start to end and
along the way, I build rapport with the applicant. It is
this rapport that motivates me to ensure that their case
is managed well by leveraging on my experience and
knowledge.
27
The Bureau is a closely knit family and this motivates me to stay
on the job. I appreciate the fact that it has created a platform for
me to apply my legal knowledge and skills to help improve the
lives of those who need legal assistance but cannot afford it.
“
Being able
to reach out
and render my
legal service to
needy people
in Singapore is
something I feel
most satisfied
about.
Ms Wynne Ng,
Legal Executive
Legal Aid Bureau
I have been with the Legal Aid Bureau for seven years.
My core duty as a legal executive requires me to assist
the legal officers to draft standard court documents as
well as interview applicants and process their requests.
Besides my core duties, I also help in special projects to
improve the Bureau’s work processes and enhance its
resources.
Being able to reach out and render my service to needy
people in Singapore is something I feel most satisfied
about. The Bureau is a closely knit family and this
motivates me to stay on the job. I appreciate the fact
that it has created a platform for me to apply my legal
knowledge and skills to help improve the lives of those
who need legal assistance but cannot afford it.
Applicants these days are more demanding, hence I take
proactive steps to manage their expectations. I explain
the procedures and processes to them. I allay their fears
and anxieties. I listen to their concerns and worries.
Legal Officers
The means test has lately been revised to grant legal
assistance to benefit more people. To this end, the
Bureau has ensured that there is sufficient manpower
and has embarked on several initiatives to improve the
internal systems and processes to increase efficiency
and productivity.
This will place the Bureau in good stead to meet the
expected rise in cases, both in terms of absolute
numbers and complexity. I am looking forward to the
upcoming paperless case management system that will
streamline workflow, save considerable time and create
a more eco-friendly office environment.
29
I find it personally satisfying when applicants are able to come
to a resolution and move on with their lives. I think seeing the
cases being successfully resolved and our applicants being able
to move forward in their lives is a reward in itself.
“
Everyone
here is like
family. We work
hard and we
also have fun
together as a
community.
Ms Cassandra Cheong,
Assistant Director
Legal Aid Bureau
It's the human element that attracts me to my job. Every
case is a story about a person's life and the challenges
that they face. You never know what interesting life
stories you may find. It's what keeps me coming back
for more. That and the attraction of being able to help
solve a real problem and make a difference in someone
else's life.
My role is two-fold. As an administrator of the legal aid
scheme, it is my duty to investigate into the merits of
each case and ensure that legal aid is given to cases
that are genuinely deserving and are not frivolous in
nature. Second, I am a civil lawyer. I advise and represent
applicants who qualify for legal aid.
I have been with the Legal Aid Bureau for a total of
about three years − from August 2006 to December
2008 and subsequently from September 2012 till now.
Prior to that, I was initially an intern at the Bureau during
my third year of studies in the National University of
Singapore and during my stint, found the work in the
Bureau really interesting. I found it meaningful and the
people here made it a warm environment to work in. It
was what kept me coming back again and again. I find
it satisfying when I am able to help someone who has a
legal problem find a way of resolving it.
When I first started out at the Bureau, I had an elderly
lady who wanted to apply for guardianship of a child
so that she could enroll him into primary school. What
made this application stand out for me was that this
applicant had absolutely no blood relation to the child
and yet she had been his caregiver for almost all his
life. Apparently, when the child was only an infant, his
natural parents − a young couple − had left him in her
care. Initially, they would visit him regularly, but after
awhile, the visits became less and less frequent until
they gradually stopped visiting the child. They did not
provide for any of the child's upkeep, and the elderly
woman never expected anything in return despite her
limited finances. She just loved the boy as if he was her
own and so did the rest of her family. This case really
inspired me as it showed me how generous and selfless
the human heart could be.
I find it personally satisfying when applicants are able
to come to a resolution and move on with their lives. I
think seeing the cases being successfully resolved and
our applicants being able to move forward in their lives
is a reward in itself. I also enjoy the work environment as
it's not too formal. Everyone here is like family. We work
hard and we also have fun together as a community.
I believe many, if not all, of my colleagues share the same passion
in our work. That is why there is a very strong collegiate spirit
within the Bureau that is hard to find elsewhere.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is being
presented with the opportunity to contribute to the
less fortunate members of our society in a very direct
and tangible way. I represent persons of limited means
in a range of civil matters in the courts as well as offer
legal advice and assistance to legal aid applicants. I am
heartened that our work in the Legal Aid Bureau could
have positive ramifications on our applicants’ lives and
their loved ones.
I remember until today an advice case which I handled
about a month into the job. The applicant was a housewife
who was seeking to divorce her abusive and irresponsible
husband. She came to the Bureau with her three teenage
children who came to give her support. I highlighted to
her when parties divorce, it could result in a division of
the matrimonial flat either by sale or a transfer from one
spouse to the other. When she heard this, she started to
break down as she was worried she could not put a roof
over her children’s head. Concerned for the welfare of her
children, she had second thoughts about her intention to
divorce. At this moment, her eldest son who was 16 years
old, placed his hand on her shoulder and said gently,
“How can you continue suffering like this, I am almost
completing my Secondary 4, I can soon go out to work
and take care of you and di di mei mei (younger brother
and sister)“. I was very touched by the gesture of this
young man.
“
I am
heartened
our work in
the Legal Aid
Bureau could
have positive
ramifications on
our applicants’
lives and their
loved ones.
Mr Goh Kiat Yi,
Assistant Director
Legal Aid Bureau
This encounter made me even more passionate about my
work in the Bureau. More importantly, the child’s words
struck me as to how much more all of us could do for
our own families, whether one is rich or less well-off.
Many legal issues such as divorce potentially have a huge
impact not only on our applicants but on their children as
well. Regardless of the eventual outcome, it is satisfying
to know that you have helped your applicant present his
or her case before the courts to the best of your abilities
and to attain the results that would restore, renew and
enhance their state of affairs. I believe many, if not all, of
my colleagues share the same passion in our work. That
is why there is a very strong collegiate spirit within the
Bureau that is hard to find elsewhere. We are unified by
our common purpose to offer sound legal advice to our
applicants and to provide them the access to justice that
they deserve and are entitled to.
Applicants today have greater awareness of their rights
and at the same time demand quality service from
government departments. The Bureau is no exception
and it has undergone substantive restructuring. Processes
have been streamlined and in the near future, we will be
harnessing technology even more to improve our work
efficiency. Together with the ongoing efforts to attract
and retain new talents, I am confident we would be well
placed to meet new challenges.
31
Appreciative applicants make me smile. Recently, there was this
lady applicant who came back to thank me and my colleagues
for the help given to her.
As a Customer Service Officer in the Legal Aid Bureau,
I derive the most satisfaction from helping the less
fortunate, particularly people in difficult situations. It
really makes my day when I see them rendered help and
it gives me even greater joy when they come back to
share good news in overcoming their difficulties.
Customer Service
In my front line role, I have to remain calm, patient,
polite and maintain a positive mindset when I register
applicants and interview them on the type of help they
need. My job requires me to conduct the means test,
and for those who pass the means test, to arrange
for them to see the Duty Officer to seek legal advice,
while for legal aid and assistance cases, to fix a suitable
appointment for them to see the Commissioner for
Oaths or a legal executive to conduct a more thorough
study on their means and for statement taking.
“
I look
forward coming
to work daily
because I have
very caring
and helpful
colleagues.
Mr Low Aik Keong,
Customer Service Officer
Legal Aid Bureau
Technology has certainly helped us to carry out our work
more efficiently. An applicant may request to register
more than one case. Hence, it saves a lot of time when
the online system is able to populate the personal details
including the latest means test they have done. What is
required of us is to check with the applicants for any
changes to be made and to update them accordingly.
This expedites registration and saves time for everyone.
What made me stay in my job? My colleagues. I look
forward coming to work daily because I have very caring
and helpful colleagues. They are kind and very willing to
share their knowledge and experiences with me. They
are always there to help me whenever I encounter any
problems, be it work or personal problems.
Appreciative applicants make me smile. Recently, there
was this lady applicant who came back to thank me and
my colleagues for the help given to her. She shared that
she was a housewife with little education and she was
at her wits' end when her husband wanted to divorce
her. She said she was lucky to come to the Bureau for
assistance, otherwise she wouldn’t have been able
to pull through the hard times. Now that her case is
completed, she would like to express her gratitude. She
was so moved for all the kindness and guidance she
received from the Bureau staff that she cried in front
of me.
The incident further reinforces the Bureau’s role in
society and also helps me realise that each of us in the
Bureau play an important role in touching lives.
33
Building the Pro Bono Spirit
The Pro Bono Development Unit (PBDU) Assigned Solicitors Scheme
organises outreach programmes to the This scheme is targeted at practising lawyers from private law firms. While most of
the Bureau’s cases are handled by its own team of Legal Officers, the Bureau’s panel
legal fraternity in its bid to promote the of assigned solicitors provide the additional legal resources and expertise to serve a
spirit of volunteerism. These include greater number in the community. Besides representing applicants assigned by the
conducting talks and briefings to raise Bureau, assigned solicitors sit on the Legal Aid Board, consisting of the Director of
Legal Aid and at least two assigned solicitors. Together, they decide at fortnightly
awareness about the need for more Board meetings whether legal aid applications have sufficient merits for the granting
volunteer lawyers to join the Legal Aid of aid.
Bureau’s various volunteer programmes.
Talks are regularly conducted at various law firms to
engage lawyers in private practice and introduce pro
bono work. The Bureau also works with the Singapore
Academy of Law and The Law Society of Singapore to
encourage its members to volunteer their legal services.
The Bureau also actively participates in career fairs at
the National University of Singapore and the Singapore
Management University to educate undergraduates of
the Bureau’s role in the legal system and to present the
Bureau as an attractive career option.
Strengthening the
Pro Bono Spirit
The Pro Bono Development Unit
(PBDU) was set up in March
2011 with the primary aim of
inculcating the pro bono spirit
among lawyers as a way to
offer access to justice to the
less privileged.
The PBDU handles the recruitment and engagement of
assigned solicitors, the administration of the volunteer
lawyers scheme and the handling of internship and
attachment programmes as well as the recognition of
their voluntary contribution.
Apart from assisting the Bureau with its caseload, assigned solicitors are needed in
cases where situations of conflict arise when both parties have applied for legal aid.
Assigned solicitors also handle cases in specialised areas of law, such as Syariah Court
cases claims and medical negligence.
Volunteer Lawyers Scheme
The scheme is targeted at lawyers who have retired from full-time practice, academics,
or solicitors who are on sabbatical leave or have taken time off to raise a family.
Most of the Bureau’s volunteer lawyers report to the Bureau regularly to assist in
the dispensing of legal advice to legal aid applicants while some also actively attend
Court to represent legal aid applicants.
Student Internship and Attachment Programmes
The Bureau manages several student internship and attachment programmes to
encourage participation from different age groups and educational backgrounds.
These students join the Bureau as interns during term time or vacation to gain practical
experience by assisting in the drafting of court documents and opinions, interviewing
applicants under supervision, and attending Court hearings to assist Legal Officers in
taking notes of evidence. They also help in special projects to improve the Bureau’s
systems and processes. These experiences help to enhance their appreciation of pro
bono work and to motivate them in undertaking volunteer work in future.
35
Led by their sense of community
and the strong belief that access
to justice should be made
available to the common man and
woman, our assigned solicitors
are motivated to assume their
volunteer role for the difference
they make to their applicants’ lives.
Taking on pro bono work often
means longer hours as they make
personal sacrifices to juggle both
commercial and volunteer work.
But the immense satisfaction of
being able to render much needed
assistance in dire situations makes
it a rewarding endeavour. The
genuine gratitude and the bonds
forged have convinced many to
stay on serving from year to year.
We salute their commitment,
dedication and giving spirit. Their
quiet contribution has given many
legal aid recipients a fresh start
and renewed hopes for the future.
Our Esteemed
Partners
(Assigned Solicitors)
To help others is a basic innate characteristic and this value is
reinforced as a result of our family upbringing, interaction with
friends and from what we learnt in school and at work.
I have been involved in pro bono work for about
15 years. My volunteer work in my church and the
Residents’ Committee paved my interest in social work.
It was a natural thing for me to do once I qualified
as a full-fledged lawyer. It gave me insights into how
much people need help when they face legal problems;
and it was empowering to help someone with the
expertise and knowledge that I had gained over the
years working in this field. I could see people, especially
the legal aid applicants, being genuinely grateful, and
this motivated me even more to volunteer. Many of my
applicants have appreciated my help and some even
became long-time friends.
Whether paying applicants or otherwise, I have
learned to give 110% effort to the cases under my
purview. Legal aid cases have helped me hone my
legal skills too. I do not differentiate between legal
aid and paying applicants. I try to allocate an equal
amount of time. The nature of work determines the
time I spend on each file. It is a challenge but I have
managed to balance my time so far. Pro bono work
is akin to social work. The hours could be long and
you require commitment and patience. The rewards
are intangible and words alone cannot describe the
immense satisfaction.
“
I would
definitely
encourage
younger lawyers
to involve
themselves
with pro bono
work. It will
help them to
empathise with
the hardship of
another fellow
human being.
Ms Duraipandi d/o
Ganaselvarani,
D Rani & Co
To help others is a basic innate characteristic and this
value is reinforced as a result of our family upbringing,
interaction with friends and from what we learnt in
school and at work. Community outreach campaigns
to promote pro bono work to young volunteers, who
may one day become lawyers, are welcomed initiatives.
It makes it easier for them to seek out relevant
information and to weigh the benefits of charity work.
Things were different when I graduated. I first joined the
Young Lawyers’ Committee, before coming to know of
the Legal Aid Bureau’s assigned solicitors Programme.
I would definitely encourage younger lawyers to involve
themselves with pro bono work. It will help them to
empathise with the hardship of another fellow human
being. It gives a reality check of what is life for a typical
legal aid applicant who may have legitimate claims but
who cannot afford the legal fees because he has to feed
a large family.
37
In our quest to be successful in life, we should look around to
see if there is anyone among us who may need a leg-up to get
a head start.
“
My pro
bono experience
has given me
the opportunity
to reshape lives
of others and
mine.
Ms Hawa Zinat Jailani,
Assameur LLC
Volunteering as an assigned solicitor gives me the
chance to be better acquainted with a section of the
community which I took for granted and never knew
existed. It was truly an eye opener. As cases are assigned
by the Legal Aid Bureau to me, I do not have to do the
ground work to scour who deserves to be helped. I just
need to focus on offering my legal services to the legal
aid applicants and provide updates on their progress.
Working on these cases gives me a brand new
spectrum of exposure. The research I undertake for
the preparation of such cases undoubtedly helps me
in both my pro bono work and private practice. As the
saying goes, “experience is the best teacher”, it builds
confidence too. My pro bono experience has given me
the opportunity to reshape lives of others and mine.
I am glad to be able to make a difference in another
person’s life. I also try to impart advice on how they
might be able to handle stress better and motivate
them to stay strong despite their odds, particularly if
they have young children.
I have often been asked by my pro bono applicants
whether they would be treated differently if they paid
me. I assure them that all the cases brought before us
are handled with the same degree of importance. It is our
professional duty as solicitors to protect their interests
and to conduct their cases to the best of our ability.
I will recommend pro bono work to my fellow lawyers. I
tell them that it is important to help those who cannot
afford to pay for our legal services.
Doing pro bono work should be inculcated from young.
I believe in that. We have to remind our young ones
that it is necessary and indeed honourable to share the
knowledge we have and to use it to benefit others. In
our quest to be successful in life, we should look around
to see if there is anyone among us who may need a
leg-up to get a head start. My late parents used to say,
“We are not alone in this world, always pause for a
while and look back to see if anyone helps, there might
be others who are less fortunate. Extend help, it will be
worth your while.”
38 Strengthening the Pro Bono Spirit
What I find most rewarding about pro bono work is in the
quiet knowledge that I have been able to assist the applicant
in obtaining redress.
I began my involvement in pro bono work during my
pupilage days when I assisted my Pupil Master, Mr
Syed Hassan Almenoar in his work with the Legal Aid
Bureau more than 20 years ago. Since establishing my
own practice in 1998, I have been volunteering as an
assigned solicitor with the Bureau.
I was motivated to help the poor who may desperately
need legal representation but who may be financially
strapped to afford the legal fees. By tapping into my
experience as a specialist in family law, I have been
able to help a number of families seek resolution on
contentious issues such as divorce, child custody and
matrimonial assets. Often, these cases could potentially
lead to a fall-out among family members if professional
mediation or legal advisory is not rendered. It may even
be heartbreaking when young children are involved. We
try to seek an equitable solution, putting the welfare of
minors at the heart of each case.
What I find most rewarding about pro bono work is in
the quiet knowledge that I have been able to assist the
applicant in obtaining redress. My legal aid applicants
often approach the Bureau when they are left with
no other avenue to turn to for help with their legal
conundrum. At their wits' end, they usually place their
hopes on their assigned solicitors to obtain for them the
best possible outcome. I will always do my utmost to
make good their belief in my professional ability and
integrity. I am always happy when we are able to offer
and obtain an agreeable agreement, and when I hear
how well they are progressing in their lives afterwards.
That is the beauty about giving − the satisfaction is in
the simple things.
“
It may even
be heartbreaking
when young
children are
involved. We
try to seek
an equitable
solution, putting
the welfare of
minors at the
heart of each
case.
Ms Lim May Li,
Lim & Ong
I have stayed on as an assigned solicitor for the last
15 years as there are still many among us who need
help. We have come far as a nation, and we should
continue to join ranks to help the underprivileged.
I would encourage our younger lawyers today to
consider volunteer work as a way to give back to
society as well as to receive exposure in areas of law
affecting the ordinary man and woman. It will expose
them to the needs and harsh realities experienced by
the less fortunate. They will discover that the solutions
to these problems go beyond pure legal remedies, often
it is tempered with many other considerations, such as
providing emotional and moral support. In the hour of
need, a listening ear or a kind word can make a big
difference.
39
Most of the time, we might think that we are there to help or give
but often we end up receiving – receiving heartfelt gratitude and
sincere appreciation that is priceless.
“
My tip
to younger
colleagues and
peers who would
like to volunteer
as pro bono
lawyers is to
start with the
right attitude.
Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim,
Rodyk & Davidson LLP
Having handled numerous corporate applicants and
mega-quantum disputes in cross-border litigation and
international arbitration in a multi-national firm, one
may lose sight of the basic problems faced by the
ordinary man on the street. Their disputes or problems
may not be big in relative size but nevertheless pose a
huge burden in their lives. They may have a good cause
of action but may be impeded by the difficulty to obtain
access to justice or the lack of legal awareness. The law
and its intricacies may appear as a daunting labyrinth
for a litigant-in-person to navigate. Hence, I would like
to use my skills and ability as a lawyer to contribute
directly to society. There is an acute need to simplify
the legalistic jargons and express them in plain, easy to
understand language.
Volunteering as a pro bono lawyer has helped me gain
a more in-depth understanding of certain areas of
legal practice such as matrimonial and Syariah Court
disputes that I would not have had the chance to
handle previously. This has helped me attain a broader
understanding and in forming my professional views
of potentially similar applicants in private practice. Pro
bono work is something that grows on you. I began
volunteering my legal services from 2009, assisting
at various legal clinics. In 2011, I volunteered as an
assigned solicitor with the Legal Aid Bureau.
Our Esteemed
Partners
(Non-Assigned
Solicitors)
One of the cases that have left a profound mark in
me was a Syariah Appeal case in 2012 that involved a
housewife who was so brutally abused by her husband
she had to undergo a hysterectomy. Her husband
had abandoned her, leaving her to fend for her three
young children. We were successful on most points of
the appeal and secured for her a substantial portion of
the matrimonial assets. Cases such as these make me
feel our vocation as lawyers places us in a privileged
position to help others in need and making a direct
impact on their lives.
My tip to younger colleagues and peers who would like
to volunteer as pro bono lawyers is to start with the
right attitude. Most of the time, we might think that we
are there to help or give but often we end up receiving
– receiving heartfelt gratitude and sincere appreciation
that is priceless. Start by focusing on an area of
volunteer work which you wish to contribute to. It also
helps if there are mentors who could guide you in areas
which you may not be entirely familiar with. I have had
the privilege of having senior lawyers from the Syariah
Court who helped me. Such an inclusive atmosphere
will motivate younger lawyers and nurture their giving
spirit in their nascent roles as legal volunteers.
41
By interacting with the recipients, I gained useful and
heartwarming insights into their lives. Their gratitude and
their willingness to open their door to practically a stranger
underscore the human spirit and the connection we all share.
“
My
satisfaction
comes from
believing that
by helping them
resolve their
legal problems, I
am contributing
in some way
towards making
their situation
less difficult
and giving them
some hope that
things will be
better.
Ms Michele Sharmini
Rasanayagam,
Volunteer Assistant Director
of Legal Aid
I believe that everyone should help wherever they can.
The dedication and commitment of the people I work
with at the Bureau, both the lawyers and the support
staff, have inspired me to continue helping. I like the
flexible work arrangement in the Bureau and the
congenial atmosphere. I am glad I’m able to help ease
the workload of my full-time colleagues.
Prior to volunteering, I had practised litigation for 12
years focusing on general and civil cases. Volunteering
at the Legal Aid Bureau is very meaningful to me as it
gives me an opportunity to put my legal training to use
and also to attend court hearings and mediations which
I enjoy.
I help prepare applicants before their court proceedings
and on occasion accompany and represent them in
court. The cases I am assigned to include family-related
ones pertaining to maintenance and custody matters.
Attending court can be a daunting and intimidating
experience for some, so being able to provide both moral
and professional support makes it a fulfilling endeavour.
Our Esteemed
Partners
(Partner Volunteer)
Often when applicants are weighed down by their
personal problems, all they need is someone to reach
out to or simply someone to talk to. It means a lot them
that someone cared to extend a helping hand. A little
light opens a window of hope.
Many of the people who turn to the Legal Aid Bureau
for legal help are often also dealing with many other
problems. They usually feel very overwhelmed. My
satisfaction comes from believing that by helping them
resolve their legal problems, I am contributing in some
way towards making their situation less difficult and
giving them some hope that things will be better.
Besides volunteering at the Bureau, I am also involved
in other charitable causes. Every month, I help to deliver
and distribute food rations to homes under the auspices
of the Eurasian Association. By interacting with the
recipients, I gained useful and heartwarming insights
into their lives. Their gratitude and their willingness to
open their door to practically a stranger underscore the
human spirit and the connection we all share. We do
what we can and try to make a difference in the lives of
those we have the privilege to meet.
43
Where possible, we try to help keep the family intact, or at the
very least, offer an amicable solution that sufficiently meet the
needs of both sides.
“
These
changes and
improvements
in applicants'
lives are the
real rewards
for me. Which
is why I feel
so energised,
excited and
invigorated by
the end of each
working day.
Mr Charles Lee Kang Sung,
Senior Counsellor
THK Family Service Centre
@ Tanjong Pagar
As a senior counsellor with the THK Family Service
Centre @ Tanjong Pagar, I see applicants who may
require counseling for emotional, psychological and
behavioural issues.
I usually see five to six cases each day. I look forward to
each new case assigned to me. I would read through the
cases and try to resolve their issues. At the same time,
I also learn, during the sessions with applicants, how I
could self-improve, refine my techniques and learn from
the applicants' perspectives.
A mandated family violence respondent once shouted at
me in Hokkien dialect at the initial session, “Counsellor,
this is the way I am and I will never change!“ This was
interspersed with expletives. By the eighth session, he
was speaking in a soft and polite tone, no vulgarities,
and was thankful that the counselling helped save his
marriage. Both parties continued to see me for further
counselling in their marriage after the mandatory
sessions.
Student Internship
and Attachment
Programme
These changes and improvements in applicants' lives are
the real rewards for me, which is why I feel so energised,
excited and invigorated by the end of each working
day. I tell myself that the day I feel tired, burdened and
reluctant to meet applicants, is the time for me to retire!
Presently, that is still a far way off.
The THK Family Service Centre @ Tanjong Pagar
provides counseling to Legal Aid Bureau applicants
under the Give Another Lifeline (GAL) Project that was
started in 2003. Under this programme, applicants
attend counselling sessions that aim to offer in-depth
information to the applicant and their family members.
These include matters such as circumventing family
violence, dealing with divorce and the legal process
involved and post-divorce issues such as housing, single
parenthood and job placement.
In many instances, applicants may have applied for
separation during emotionally charged moments. By
rendering them emotional support, they are able to hear
their articulation of the issues at hand and reflect on
their decision.
Often, the case worker would offer the applicants the
option of saving their marriage through therapy and
counselling. Where possible, we try to help keep the
family intact, or at the very least, offer an amicable
solution that sufficiently meets the needs of both sides.
45
Our interns have benefited from seeing how the law is
applied and how pro bono work contributes to the betterment
of the community.
“
I cherish
the opportunity
to make a
difference in the
life of another
person.
Ms Cheryl Lim,
Senior Manager
Pro Bono Development Unit
Legal Aid Bureau
I am very encouraged by the steady increase in the
participation of the Legal Aid Bureau’s pro bono
programmes and the fact that our outreach efforts have
yielded positive results. The formation of the Pro Bono
Development Unit (PBDU) underscores the importance
of the contribution and role of our volunteer lawyers
as an extended arm of the Bureau’s legal resource. The
Unit was set up to address the needs of our volunteers
and to put in place clear channels of communications.
I cherish the opportunity to make a difference in the
life of another person. As senior manager of the PBDU,
I develop and implement policies and strategies for
the recruitment of assigned solicitors and volunteer
lawyers, including outreach programmes, publicity
campaigns and media profiling. I also help to develop
and implement policies and strategies for the
recruitment of interns/attachees and the orientation of
newly recruited assigned solicitors, volunteer lawyers
and interns/attachees.
Various briefings and training sessions on the Bureau’s
operations and practices and typical cases handled are
conducted to orientate and welcome our new assigned
solicitors and volunteer lawyers. Volunteer lawyers
will also be assigned mentors among our senior inhouse legal officers while our interns will undergo an
orientation programme to familiarise themselves with
the various sections in the Bureau before commencing
work under the guidance of a legal officer or executive.
The feedback from the volunteers and interns has been
very encouraging. They have the common view that
volunteering is a worthy cause, a way for them to give
back to society. Our volunteer lawyers strongly believe
that providing professional assistance and counsel is a
meaningful deed to help the less privileged reorder their
lives and to enforce their individual rights. Our interns
have benefited from seeing how the law is applied and
how pro bono work contributes to the betterment of the
community. Going forward, the PBDU will push ahead
with its outreach and publicity activities and its efforts
to recognise the valuable contribution of our volunteers.
Schools can play their role by encouraging students to embark
on internships with the Bureau who in turn can conduct
workshops and talks in the universities to inculcate in students
the love for volunteering.
I have been involved in pro bono work since my teenage
years. I love working with children and enjoy organising
various activities and events for less fortunate kids.
Upon being called to the bar last year, I signed up as
an assigned solicitor for the Legal Aid Bureau. I firmly
believe that justice should be accessible to everyone,
not merely those who can afford it.
My father has been doing legal aid work since the 1990s.
He has always encouraged me to do pro bono work and
emphasised the need to give back to society. While I
was in University, he encouraged me to embark on an
internship with the Bureau. It was the most interesting
and enriching internship I embarked on. I came across
people from all walks of life and learnt first-hand, the
various legal issues faced by the public. It is important,
as a lawyer, to seek to learn as much as you can about
different types of people, the myriad issues that they
face and how the law relates to such issues.
“
Doing
good makes me
happy and gives
me a sense of
satisfaction. It is
deeply gratifying
to know that you
are contributing
towards the
public good.
Ms Sarah Nadiah Marican,
Drew & Napier LLC
I would recommend pro bono work to my peers only if
they are willing to make the time and put in the effort
to do a satisfactory job for the applicant. It's important
to do pro bono work for the right reasons and to be
sincere in wanting to help the applicant. I would advise
them to be patient with the applicants. Many of them
are not English-educated and there may be a barrier in
communication. It's also important to be able to win
the trust of the applicant. As we are young lawyers, the
applicants may come with the pre-conceived notion
that we lack experience and may not be able to handle
their cases satisfactorily.
The whole community has a role to play in encouraging
the pro bono spirit. Schools can play their role by
encouraging students to embark on internships with the
Bureau who in turn can conduct workshops and talks
in the universities to inculcate in students the love for
volunteering. Law firms should also openly encourage
its employees to take on pro bono cases.
The most rewarding part about pro bono work for me
is the appreciation you receive from the applicant.
Doing good makes me happy and gives me a sense of
satisfaction. It is deeply gratifying to know that you are
contributing towards the public good.
47
Acknowledgements
The Legal Aid Bureau is grateful to the
contributors and to all who have helped to
make this publication possible.
Published by Legal Aid Bureau
The URA Centre, East Wing,
45 Maxwell Road, #08-12,
Singapore 069118
Annual Review Editorial Committee
Ms Linda Li
Ms Wileeza A Gapar
Mr Edsmond Cheong
Ms Vala Muthupalaniappan
www.lab.gov.sg
lab_enquiry@lab.gov.sg
© 2013 Legal Aid Bureau
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced,
stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by
any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or
otherwise without the prior written permission of the publisher.
Excerpts from the following publication have been reproduced in
the Annual Review FY2012:
- Legal Aid Bureau, ACCESS TO JUSTICE: 50 Years of Legal Aid
(Singapore: Legal Aid Bureau, 2008)
Photograph sources
- Shutterstock, Inc. for photos of Old Supreme Court and Old
Back Alley in 55 Years of Compassion in Law

legal aid bureau annual review 2012

Transcription

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