Will the provision of free legal services impact lives and the economy at large?
Pro bono is short for “Pro bono Publico” a Latin phrase that means “for the public good”. It is a term often used in the description of the provision of free legal services by lawyers to the people who may need such services and are unable to afford them.
The ability to gain access to justice and legal counsel is the bedrock of a functional society. In Nigeria, access to justice and legal counsel remains evasive, especially among the uneducated, vulnerable, disadvantaged, and small-scale business owners. Asides from the lack of legal counseling and representation, there is little or no understanding of their legal rights. Also listed among some challenges are the high costs for legal services, which could be a little above what the average Nigerian can afford.