Lawyer Problems in Legal Assistance for Public: A case study of the Lawyers Council under the Royal Patronage

Abstract

The objectives of this study are (1) to study problems and obstacles of volunteer lawyers offering legal aid, and (2) to study guidelines for solving problems in the performance of volunteer lawyer duties in the Lawyers Council Under the Royal Patronage. The study found that 1) in their performance of duty, volunteer lawyers encounter problems and obstacles concerning the knowledge in law, the skills required in the performance of duty, the volunteer lawyer’s screening and selection process and procedure, and the motivation in performing their duties. Secondly, 2) there are guidelines for solving the problems and obstacles faced on duty as a Lawyer Council’s volunteer lawyer. The solutions are to offer training courses to enhance their knowledge, to improve regulations and laws relating to the Lawyer Council which have been long in use, and to provide additional benefits for volunteer lawyers.