Pro bono lawyer (Pro deo advocaat)
Information on this skill...
A pro bono lawyer is a lawyer who provides legal assistance to clients and is paid for by the government. It depends on several factors and the situation whether someone qualifies for a pro bono lawyer. In the Netherlands, lawyers have the obligation to let clients know whether it is possible to qualify for free legal aid or whether a reduced rate may apply. A pro bono lawyer represents the interests of a client and can perform various activities in that respect. In addition, it depends on the jurisdiction which activities there are exactly. In any case, a pro bono lawyer conducts an intake interview with a client to gain insight into the situation, as in the case of a legal conflict. In the event of an arrest of a person in the context of criminal offenses, it is possible that a pro bono lawyer visits the suspect in the cell complex. Mapping the situation is one of the tasks, but of course, a pro bono lawyer usually also does research. For example, to laws and regulations, but also to lawsuits that have previously been to determine a certain strategy on the basis of previous rulings. It is also possible that a pro bono lawyer, for example, sends a letter on behalf of a client. It depends on the situation what the possible next steps are. They do not always have to be there because it may also be the case that a letter is sufficient to prevent further steps. In any case, the representation of interests in a legal sense is always paramount. Another name for a pro bono lawyer is also called a lawyer of incapacity. Among other things, the term subsidized legal aid may apply.
In view of the performance of work, a pro bono lawyer can therefore simply be regarded as a lawyer. The only difference is that the government provides for the payment when it comes to pro bono work and there is subsidized legal aid. It also happens regularly that a mix occurs, such as working in the social legal profession and also taking on assignments paid for by clients. Incidentally, a pro bono lawyer does not have to be inferior to a regular lawyer when it comes to achieving successes. The term pro bono shows that the lawyer services are free, but in the end it is the government or in fact the community that pays the costs. It is then free or almost free for the client to hire a pro bono lawyer. For example, to represent a client at the court, where other parties are also present, such as an independent judge and a court clerk. When representing a client in court, there is advocacy and a pro bono lawyer, for example, makes a plea in favor of the client's situation.
WHEN AM I ENTITLED TO A PRO BONO LAWYER?
It depends, among other things, on your assets and your income on whether there is a right to a pro bono lawyer. Incidentally, a pro bono lawyer is not completely free because you do pay a personal contribution. This personal contribution also depends on income and assets. If you earn too much or have too much capital, you are not eligible for subsidized legal aid. Furthermore, for the engagement of a pro bono lawyer, there must also be a valid reason to appeal to legal aid. In addition to the personal contribution, there may be other costs involved. This includes the costs for court fees or the costs of hiring an expert party. There is also a risk in a trial that there will be an order for costs. If there is an arrest and arrest by a police officer or detective, the personal contribution for a pro bono lawyer will lapse.
IN WHICH CASES CAN I GET ASSISTANCE FROM A PRO BONO LAWYER?
Within criminal law, it is in principle possible to call on a pro bono lawyer for all kinds of cases. For example, for criminal cases that come before the police judge, but also criminal cases that take place at the court of appeal just like at the Supreme Court. Incidentally, minors in criminal law always have the right to a pro bono lawyer. In addition to criminal law, there are many other areas of law in which the social legal profession plays a role and in which a pro bono lawyer can be called upon. Just think of tenancy law, as in the event that a legal conflict has arisen with the landlord. Or family law as a jurisdiction in which family guardians work. It is also possible that a pro bono lawyer represents a client who has committed benefit fraud discovered by a social investigator.
VARIOUS TASKS AS A PRO BONO LAWYER:
- Conducting an intake interview;
- Giving legal advice;
- Representing the interests of the client;
- Providing legal assistance;
- Representing the client in court;
- Defining strategy;
- Prepare and make a plea;
- Drafting legal documents;
- Study legislation.
WHAT DOES A PRO BONO LAWYER DO:
TRAINING TO BECOME A PRO BONO LAWYER
To work as a pro bono lawyer, there is the same training route as for the position of lawyer. A university degree in law trains in the first place to become a lawyer. This does not mean that you are a lawyer because, for example, a vocational training for the legal profession is the appropriate step for this. You follow this training at a law firm in the position of intern or more specifically trainee lawyer. After completing the vocational training, an official swearing-in as a lawyer takes place. Every lawyer then has the opportunity to present himself as a pro bono lawyer. It is not an obligation because pro bono cases may also be refused. Lawyers in training may also be obliged to work within second-line legal assistance for a certain period of time, which is assistance relating to pro bono cases. For more information, see also the website legal aid for subsidized mediation and legal aid.
COMPANIES WHERE A PRO BONO LAWYER CAN BE EMPLOYED
A pro bono lawyer can work for a law firm, but also have his own office as an entrepreneur. In that respect, a pro bono lawyer usually works within the social legal profession.
COMPETENCES PRO BONO LAWYER
As a pro bono lawyer, it is important to have specific legal knowledge about certain areas of law. Social involvement also plays a major role in this position, and there are of course general competencies that every lawyer must have. Just think of persuasiveness and a sharp analytical ability, as well as communication skills, both oral and written. It also comes in handy to be stress-resistant and customer-oriented.
LABOUR MARKET PERSPECTIVE AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AS A PRO BONO LAWYER
As long as there is subsidized legal aid, there is a favorable labor market perspective for pro bono lawyers. In society and between companies, there are always conflicts or people commit crimes. It is always possible, for example, to leave the social legal profession as a pro bono lawyer and to be more commercial. For example, by only accepting paid assignments. It is also possible to build a good reputation as a pro bono lawyer with an excellent reputation.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT AND SALARY PRO BONO LAWYER
The salary of a pro bono lawyer depends, among other things, on the exact work. Often it is a mix of pro bono work and paid assignments. If there is a full-time pro bono lawyer, the earnings are on average between 2,500 euros and 5,000 euros gross. For paid assignments, the average hourly rate is 110 euros.
The content on this page has been automatically translated from the Dutch language. For this reason, texts and videos on this page may contain small errors.
Lesen Sie diese Informationen auf Pro-bono-Anwalt auf Deutsch.
Lea esta información sobre Abogado pro bono en español.
Lees deze informatie over Pro deo advocaat in het Nederlands.
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