Before Pope’s call, Singapore lawyers defended marginalized with bro pono work

Long before Pope Francis urged leaders to protect those on the margins, a group of lawyers in Singapore had already been working to ensure no one was left behind.

Sep 18, 2024

SINGAPORE: Long before Pope Francis urged leaders to protect those on the margins, a group of lawyers in Singapore had already been working to ensure no one was left behind. 

AsiaNews reported that Pro Bono SG, an organization founded over a decade ago, has been offering free or low-cost legal services to those unable to afford legal defense. 

While the Pope’s recent visit highlighted the risk of excluding vulnerable communities amid Singapore’s economic progress, Pro Bono SG has long been at the forefront of providing justice to the marginalized, answering this call before it was even made.

Founded by a group of young lawyers, Pro Bono SG seeks to guarantee access to legal representation for the underprivileged—an effort to break down societal barriers that often prevent marginalized groups from seeking legal assistance. 

Over the years, the group has grown to include new graduates, some of whom participate temporarily, while others view it as a long-term ethical commitment. 

These “one-dollar lawyers” earned their nickname from the nominal fee once required for registering defense attorneys with the Legal Aid Office, and they take on cases spanning from criminal to family law, often serving as public defenders.

Despite its noble mission, Pro Bono SG faces persistent challenges, particularly from a society that can be skeptical of pro bono work and unsympathetic to the causes they represent.

Lawyers within the organization often encounter hostility, especially when defending individuals involved in controversial cases, such as sexual crimes or disputes concerning the rights of illegal immigrants and foreign workers. 

Critics on social media frequently question their commitment to defending individuals viewed negatively by public opinion.

However, Pro Bono SG remains resolute. Its members consistently emphasize their responsibility to defend those in need without prejudice. 

Operating from two modest office locations in containers on temple grounds in the Hougang area, the organization continues to demonstrate its dedication to providing legal support to the city’s most vulnerable residents.--licas.news