Pro Bono Placements

Name of Agency
Catholic Lawyers Guild (CLG)

What the agency does
CLG runs legal clinics where oral advice is given to members of the public, regardless of race or religion

What students will do during placement
Students perform the following tasks:

• Intake and registration of applicants
• Interviewing of applicants
• Translation (if needed)
• Research (if needed)
• Taking notes for the volunteer lawyers giving advice

In some meritorius cases, CLG may consider asking its volunteer lawyer to take such cases pro bono, in which case, the student involvement may be greater including possible legal research, preparing draft advice and/or drafting of other legal documents

Frequency of placement for students
Twice a month (on Mondays)

How students will be supervised
Students will be supervised by the volunteer lawyer conducting the legal clinic

What students will learn from the placement
Students will learn about the common legal issues faced by the public and how these can be resolved

Name of Agency
Chong Pang Community Club

What the agency does
The Chong Pang Community Club Legal Clinic at Nee Soon GRC aims to provide residents with access to justice so as to enable them to understand their legal rights and responsibilities; and to promote, where appropriate, self-help remedies such as negotiation and mediation

What students will do during placement
Students will assist in the operational and administrative aspects of the legal clinic

Frequency of placement for students
Twice a month (held in conjunction with the Meet-the-People session)

How students will be supervised
Students will be supervised by the volunteer lawyer conducting the legal clinic

What students will learn from the placement
Students will learn about the legal issues faced by residents and the role that the law plays in helping to resolve such issues

Name of Agency
Church of Christ the King

What the agency does
The Church of Christ the King Legal Clinic provides pro bono legal advice to poor and low-income individuals

What students will do during placement
Students will help with registration of applicants and taking of notes during the legal clinic

Frequency of placement for students
Once a month (on the last Tuesday of each month except December and public holidays)

How students will be supervised
Students will be supervised by the volunteer lawyer conducting the legal clinic. Students are encouraged to discuss the cases, ask questions and learn from the volunteer lawyers

What students will learn from the placement
Students will observe how the volunteer lawyers give advice, and learn about the different types of issues presented

Name of Agency
Frontier Community Club

What the agency does
The Frontier Community Club Legal Clinic aims to provide residents with access to justice so as to enable them to understand their legal rights and responsibilities; and to promote, where appropriate, self-help remedies such as negotiation and mediation

What students will do during placement
Students will assist in the operational and administrative aspects of the legal clinic

Frequency of placement for students
Once a month (last Friday of every month)

How students will be supervised
Students will be supervised by the volunteer lawyer conducting the legal clinic

What students will learn from the placement
Students will learn about the legal issues faced by residents and the role that the law plays in helping to resolve such issues

Name of agency
Jurong Spring Community Club

What the agency does
The Jurong Spring Community Club Legal Clinic at Jurong GRC aims to provide residents with access to justice so as to enable them to understand their legal rights and responsibilities; and to promote, where appropriate, self-help remedies such as negotiation and mediation.

What students will do during placement
Students will assist in the operational and administrative aspects of the legal clinic

Frequency of placement 
Once a month (on the last Thursday of the month)

How students will be supervised
Students will be supervised by the volunteer lawyer conducting the legal clinic

What students will learn from the placement
Students will learn about the legal issues faced by residents and the role that the law plays in helping to resolve such issues

Name of Agency
Justice Without Borders (JWB)

What the agency does
JWB is a not-for-profit organisation that supports victims of labour exploitation in seeking just compensation against their abusers, even after returning home

What students will do during placement
Students will engage in legal projects on behalf of victims of labour exploitation, covering Singapore and other countries in the region. Students will take on an active role in one or more projects that may include: identifying and preparing cases for potential litigation; strategic legal research to support future litigation; preparing training courses for Singapore and regional audiences; and participating in trainings with JWB's local front-line NGO partners

Frequency of placement
During term time: 8 hours on one weekday in JWB office + 5 hours a week off-site During holidays: Mondays to Fridays from 9am to 6pm

How students will be supervised
Students will be supervised primarily by the Head of Office. They will also receive mentoring from the Executive Director, as well as JWB's law firm partners, which include both international and local firms

What students will learn from the placement
Students will gain first hand experience in case management, strategic legal research, and experience the workings of an NGO. They will also have the opportunity to work with a regional team (Hong Kong, Indonesia and Singapore) and network with JWB's law firm partners

Name of Agency
Kebun Baru Link Residents’ Committee

What the agency does
The Committee seeks to promote neighbourliness, harmony and cohesiveness amongst residents; liaise with and make recommendations to government authorities on the needs and aspirations of residents; disseminate information and gather feedback on government policies and actions from residents; and promote good citizenship amongst residents

What students will do during placement
Students will assist the volunteer lawyer conducting the legal clinic

Frequency of placement
Once a month (on the first Monday of the month)

How students will be supervised
Students will be supervised by the volunteer lawyer conducting the legal clinic

What students will learn from the placement
Students will be able to learn about the common legal issues faced and observe how the volunteer lawyer provides legal advice during the legal clinic

Name of Agency
Kembangan-Chai Chee Community Club Management Committee / Kembangan-Chai Chee CC

What the agency does
The Kembangan-Chai Chee Legal Clinic at Marine Parade GRC aims to provide residents with access to justice so as to enable them to understand their legal rights and responsibilities; and to promote, where appropriate, self-help remedies such as negotiation and mediation

What students will do during placement
Students will assist in the operational and administrative aspects of the legal clinic

Frequency of placement
Once a month (held in conjunction with the Meet-the-People session)

How students will be supervised
Students will be supervised by the volunteeer lawyer conducting the legal clinic

What students will learn from the placement
Students will learn about the legal issues faced by residents and the role that the law plays in helping to resolve such issues

Name of Agency
Pro Bono SG (PBSG)

What the agency does
PBSG runs a wide range of programmes and activities that can largely be categorised under:

1. The CLCs serve as a platform for needy and vulnerable individuals to seek basic, pro bono legal advice on personal matters. Student volunteers can observe volunteer lawyers give practical advice to such individuals on how the law affects one's life.
2. CLAS provides criminal legal assistance to impecunious accused persons who are unable to afford a lawyer and are facing charges in a Singapore court for non-death penalty offences under statues covered by CLAS.
3. Law Awareness initiatives such as talks, publications and partnerships with organisations for their members and beneficiaries.
4. Help for Non-Profit Organisations and Social Enterprises that start with legal clinics and go onto transactional help where necessary.

What students will do during placement
Students will:

1. Sit in and take notes for volunteer lawyers giving advice at the CLC; and
2. Translation (if necessary)

Frequency of placement
Monday evening: North West CDC at Woodlands Civic Centre
Tuesday evening: South East CDC at Geylang Wisma Serai
Wednesday evening: South West CDC at Jurong JTC Summit
Thursday evening: Central CDC at Toa Payoh Hub
Friday evening: North East CDC at One Punggol

How students will be supervised
Students will be supervised by the CLC team/volunteer lawyers.

What students will learn from the placement
Aside from being exposed to legal knowledge and observing how volunteer lawyers give advice to applicants in legal clinics, students will:

1. Gain a better understanding of the legal aid schemes available in Singapore, especially those administered by PBSG.
2. Become more empathetic listeners.
3. Be exposed to legal knowledge and observe how lawyers give advice to applicants in legal clinics by sitting in and taking notes.
4. Refine their written skills.

Name of Agency
Pro Bono SG (PBSG)

What the agency does
PBSG runs a wide range of programmes and activities that can largely be categorised under:

1. The CLCs serve as a platform for needy and vulnerable individuals to seek basic, pro bono legal advice on personal matters. Student volunteers can observe volunteer lawyers give practical advice to such individuals on how the law affects one's life.
2. CLAS provides criminal legal assistance to impecunious accused persons who are unable to afford a lawyer and are facing charges in a Singapore court for non-death penalty offences under statues covered by CLAS. 
3. Law Awareness initiatives such as talks, publications and partnerships with organisations for their members and beneficiaries.
4. Help for Non-Profit Organisations and Social Enterprises that start with legal clinics and go onto transactional help where necessary.

What students will do during placement
Students will:

1. Register applicants via screening and interviewing in person or over the phone; prepare case summaries and roster applicants for the CLCs.
2. Provide general administrative support for PBSG.

Student volunteers may also be rostered to be at the Community Justice Centre at the State Courts to register applicants for clinics and provide administrative support for the On-Site Legal Assistance Scheme (OSLAS).

Frequency of placement
2 or 4 weeks attachment during the Summer and Winter holidays

How students will be supervised
Students will be supervised by the CLC team/legal officer

What students will learn from the placement
Students will:

1. Gain a better understanding of the legal aid schemes available in Singapore, especially those administered by PBSG. 
2. Become more empathetic listeners and learn to ask questions effectively, interviewing applicants and summarising their legal issues for case lists. 
3. Be exposed to legal knowledge and observe how lawyers give advice to applicants in legal clinics by sitting in and taking notes.
4. CLC interns get to role-play as a lawyer giving advice to applicants. draft legal advice for pretend applicants, and receive feedback from the legal officer. 
5. Refine their written and oral advocacy skills.

Name of Agency
Legal Aid Bureau (LAB)

What the agency does
LAB runs the following services:

1. Legal Advice: oral advice by LAB lawyers on questions of Singapore law and the practical steps one may take in the case.
2. Legal Aid: representation by a legal aid lawyer in civil proceedings in the Court of Appeal, the High Court, the District Courts, the Magistrates’ Courts, the Syariah Court as well as proceedings under the Women’s Charter.
3. Legal Assistance: drafting of various legal documents including Deeds of Separation and Deeds of Severance of Cohabitation

What students will do during placement
Students will assist the LAB or legal aid lawyers in their tasks

Frequency of placement
1 week (during summer vacation)

How students will be supervised
Students will be supervised by LAB or legal aid lawyers

What students will learn from the placement
Students will learn about the common issues faced by the public in non-criminal cases and family cases, and how these can be resolved

Name of agency
LegalHelp

What the agency does
LegalHelp is an online legal forum which aims to provide basic legal guidance to laypersons. Its current panel of editors include volunteer lawyers and academics. Students provide administrative help in assisting the panel of volunteer lawyers to answer questions asked by members of the public

What students will do during placement
Students provide assistance by categorising the questions sent in by laypersons, directing these questions to the relevant lawyers on the panel for answers, and also drafting answers in response to questions 

Frequency of placement 
2 weeks within a 2-month period

How students will be supervised
Students will be supervised by volunteer lawyers and academics

What students will learn from the placement
Students will learn about the diverse legal issues confronting laypersons and how these can be resolved

Name of agency
NTUC LawWorks is a partnership between the National Trades Union Congress and the Pro Bono SG

What the agency does
NTUC and the Law Society of Singapore launched LawWorks in January 2013 with the aim of educating working people on their legal rights in Singapore. Under the partnership, a series of legal primer talks are held quarterly, and monthly legal clinics are organised to provide general legal advice. A pocket series of handy booklets containing relevant and succinct legal information on employment matters including issues such as workplace harassment, have been developed under the partnership.

What students will do during placement
Students will be assigned to a volunteer lawyer conducting the legal clinic, and will assist the lawyer with the following (where applicable):

1. taking of attendance notes,
2. legal research on issues, and
3. other administrative tasks (e.g. assisting with completion of feedback forms etc)

Frequency of placement 
Once a month

How students will be supervised
Students will be supervised by the volunteer lawyer conducting the legal clinic

What students will learn from the placement
Students will learn about the legal and/or practical issues faced by workers, as well as the ways the issues can be resolved

Name of agency
On-Site Legal Advice Scheme (OSLAS) @ State Court

What the agency does
This is a walk-in legal clinic within the State Courts, which provides legal advice on the spot, without requiring applicants to pre-register or to wait for lengthy time periods

What students will do during placement
Students will assist volunteer lawyers with the following duties:

• Note-taking
• Filling of application forms
• Translation (if required)
• Ushering of applicants

Frequency of placement 
One weekday morning or afternoon (students must serve the same slot for one month)

How students will be supervised
Students will be supervised by the volunteer lawyer on duty

What students will learn from the placement
Students will learn about the common issues faced by litigants in the State Courts

Name of agency
On-Site Legal Advice Scheme (OSLAS) @ Supreme Court

What the agency does
This is a walk-in legal clinic within the Supreme Court, which provides legal advice on bankruptcy and insolvency issues on the spot, without requiring applicants to pre-register or wait for lengthy time periods

What students will do during placement
Students will assist volunteer lawyers with the following duties:

• Note-taking
• Filling of application forms
• Translation (if required)
• Ushering of applicants

Frequency of placement 
Every Thursday in the morning or afternoon (students must serve the same slot for one month)

How students will be supervised
Students will be supervised by the volunteer lawyer on duty

What students will learn from the placement
Students will learn about issues relating to bankruptcy and insolvency faced by litigants in the Supreme Court

Name of agency
Potter’s Place Community Service Society (PPCSS)

What the agency does
PPCSS is a voluntary, non-profit organisation which aims to build strong family foundations and cohesiveness, and enable the needy through relief programmes and services

What students will do during placement
Students will assist volunteer lawyers with the following:

• Register applicants and other administrative duties; and
• Help applicants (who cannot afford their own legal counsel) in drafting work (such as writing letters of appeal, mitigation pleas for traffic offences), filling of forms (for financial assistance applications, affidavits of assets and means in Divorce matters, Lasting Power of Attorney) and simple written submissions for Small Claims Tribunal matters.

Frequency of placement 
Once a month (on the second Thursday of the month)

How students will be supervised
Students will be supervised by the volunteer lawyer conducting the legal clinic

What students will learn from the placement
Students will learn about the common legal issues faced by the public and how these can be resolved

Name of agency
Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations (SCWO)

What the agency does
The SCWO Legal Clinic focuses primarily on issues relating to divorce, maintenance, Personal Protection Orders, custody and variation of orders. The SCWO Muslim Law Legal Clinic caters to Muslim women who need legal advice specifically pertaining to Syariah law

What students will do during placement
Students will assist in the operational and administrative aspects of the legal clinic by taking notes of the cases and advice given by volunteer lawyers during consultation. Students observe and learn from qualified lawyers on how the legal issues faced by applicants can be addressed, and they have the opportunity to discuss the case with volunteer lawyers at the end of the sessions  

Frequency of placement 
Twice a month (on Mondays)

How students will be supervised
Students will be supervised by the volunteer lawyer conducting the legal clinic

What students will learn from the placement
Students will learn about family law and Syariah law issues faced by the public and how these issues can be resolved

Name of agency
SMU Pro Bono Centre

What the agency does
The SMU Pro Bono Centre runs a host of programmes to raise pro bono consciousness among SMU law students. The Helpdesk is a telephone service through which applicants for the SMU Pro Bono Centre Legal Clinic make enquiries and register for appointments

What students will do during placement
Students will register, interview and schedule applicants for the SMU Pro Bono Centre Legal Clinic

Frequency of placement 
Every weekday (1pm - 4pm)

How students will be supervised
Students will be supervised by staff from the SMU Pro Bono Centre

What students will learn from the placement
Students will learn soft skills in interviewing applicants to obtain information relating to the case

Name of agency
SMU Pro Bono Centre

What the agency does
The SMU Pro Bono Centre runs a host of programmes to raise pro bono consciousness among SMU law students. The SMU Pro Bono Centre Legal Clinic operates from  basement 2 of the SOL building, in collaboration with volunteer lawyers, to provide free legal consultation to eligible applicants

What students will do during placement
Students will register and interview legal clinic applicants, and take notes during the consultation with the volunteer lawyer 

Frequency of placement 
Once a week on Friday evenings (except during the months of April and November)

How students will be supervised
Students will be supervised by the volunteer lawyer conducting the legal clinic

What students will learn from the placement
Students will learn soft skills in interviewing applicants to obtain information relating to the case and how to render legal advice through observing the volunteer lawyer

Name of agency
Community Justice & Tribunals Division (CJTD), State Courts

What the agency does
The Tribunals in CJTD handle matters relating to:

• Harassment cases under the Protection from Harassment Act (POHA);
• Neighbour disputes under the Community Disputes Resolution Act (CDRA);
• Small claims matters under the Small Claims Tribunals Act (SCTA);
• Employment claims under the Employment Claims Act and Rules (ECT);
• Magistrate’s Complaints

What students will do during placement
Students assist Litigants-in-Person who do not have the means to obtain legal advice by providing information on the court processes, guiding them on the various steps to take in filing their cases (including form filling), providing an assessment of their issues and guiding them accordingly. Additionally, students will also be able to observe court proceedings and engage with the Judicial Officers in the process

Frequency of placement 
During term time: One weekday morning or afternoon (students must serve the same slot for one month)
During holidays: Every weekday either in the morning or afternoon for a 2 week period

How students will be supervised
CJTD staff will be on hand to support and provide guidance when necessary. A senior staff will be available for the students to approach if they have any questions

What students will learn from the placement
Students will learn how to interact and engage with Litigants-in-Person and assist them through the legal process. They will also have the opportunity to sit in during court sessions and learn about how cases are handled by the Judicial Officers

Name of agency
Community Justice Centre

What the agency does
The UCF scheme is an initiative by the Community Justice Centre that serves Litigants-in-Person at various divisions of the State Courts

What students will do during placement
Students will assist with duties at the Civil Legal Clinic and the Small Claims Tribunal. At the Civil Legal Clinic, students will assist volunteer lawyers with on-site research and note taking during the legal consultation. Students will also attend one session of the Civil Legal Clinic from 1830h to 2000h on Thursday. At the Small Claims Tribunal, students will be taught the mediation process and procedure for claimants to file their claims, and will provide explanation on the process and assist Litigants-in-Person with filing of their claims online. Students will also guide Litigants-in-Person on usage of the queue management system and provide information on the documentary requirements for consultation (e.g. uploading of LOA, ACRA, etc.) when necessary. In addition, students will be given the opportunity to sit in during mediation/consultation sessions.

Frequency of placement 
One weekday morning or afternoon (students must serve the same slot for 7 out of 10 weeks) and attend the Civil Legal Clinic

How students will be supervised
Students will be supervised by court officers and volunteer lawyers

What students will learn from the placement
Students will learn about the law and processes at the Civil Legal Clinic and the Small Claims Tribunal

Name of agency
Community Justice Centre

What the agency does
The UCF scheme is an initiative by the Community Justice Centre that serves Litigants-in-Person at various divisions of the State Courts

What students will do during placement
Students will assist with duties at the Bail Centre, the Criminal Courts and with Magistrate’s Complaint cases in the State Courts. At the Bail Centre, students will be taught the bail process and will provide information on the process, and conduct interviews with the bailors to determine their suitability. At the Criminal Courts, students will assist court officers with their duties and provide information on the process to Accused-in-Persons and/or their family members when necessary. Students may also receive directions from the Judge to refer Accused-in-Persons and/or their family members to the appropriate agencies for further assistance. Students can also attend a surety hearing at 1500h every Wednesday. As for Magistrate’s Complaint cases, students will be taught the complaint process and will provide explanation on the process and assist complainants with drafting of their complaints

Frequency of placement 
One weekday morning or afternoon (students must serve the same slot for 8 out of 10 weeks)

How students will be supervised
Students will be supervised by court officers

What students will learn from the placement
Students will learn about the law and processes at the Bail Centre, the Criminal Courts and Magistrate’s Complaint cases

Name of agency
Community Justice Centre

What the agency does
The UCF scheme is an initiative by the Community Justice Centre that serves Litigants-in-Person at various divisions of the State Courts

What students will do during placement
Students will assist with duties at the Divorce Registry, the Family Court, the Family Legal Clinic and the Family Protection Centre in the Family Justice Courts. At the Divorce Registry, students will be taught the divorce proceedings and will provide information on form filling and court procedures to Litigants-in-Person. At the Family Court, students will receive directions from the Judge to refer Litigants-in-Person to the appropriate agencies for further assistance and to provide information on court procedures, including documentary requirements, when necessary. Students will also attend one session of the Family Legal Clinic where they will assist lawyers with on-site research and note taking during the legal consultation. The Family Legal Clinic is from 1800h to 1930h every Tuesday. At the Family Protection Centre, students will assist court staff in their assessment of Personal Protection Order cases and provide information on the process. Students will also guide Litigants-in-Person on the usage of iFAMS (an online tool developed by the Family Justice Courts) at the self-help kiosks.

Frequency of placement 
One weekday morning or afternoon (students must serve the same slot for 7 out of 10 weeks) and attend the Family Legal Clinic 

How students will be supervised
Students will be supervised by court officers and volunteer lawyers

What students will learn from the placement
Students will learn about the law and processes at the Divorce Registry, the Family Court, the Family Legal Clinic and the Family Protection Centre at the Family Justice Courts

Name of agency
Community Justice Centre

What the agency does
The UCF scheme is an initiative by the Community Justice Centre that serves Litigants-in-Person at various divisions of the State Courts

What students will do during placement
Students will assist with duties at the Family Court, the Family Legal Clinic, the Maintenance Mediation Chambers and the Maintenance Registry. At the Family Court, students will receive directions from the Judge to refer Litigants-in-Person to the appropriate agencies for further assistance and to provide information on court procedures, including documentary requirements, when necessary. Students will also attend one session of the Family Legal Clinic where students will assist volunteer lawyers with on-site research and note taking during the legal consultation. The Family Legal Clinic is from 1800h to 1930h every Tuesday. At the Maintenance Mediation Chambers, students will assist court staff with their duties and provide explanation on documentary requirements for further mediation. At the Maintenance Registry, volunteers will assist officers with their duties and provide information on the court procedures for maintenance applications and enforcement of maintenance orders. Students will also assist Litigants-in-Person with their maintenance application via iFAMS (an online tool developed by the Family Justice Courts)

Frequency of placement 
One weekday morning or afternoon (students must serve the same slot for 7 out of 10 weeks) and attend the Family Legal Clinic

How students will be supervised
Students will be supervised by court officers and volunteer lawyers

What students will learn from the placement
Students will learn about the law and processes at the Family Court, the Family Legal Clinic, the Maintenance Mediation Chambers and the Maintenance Registry

Name of Agency
Pro Bono SG (PBSG)

What the agency does
PBSG runs a wide range of programmes and activities that can largely be categorised under:

1. The Community Legal Clinics (CLCs) serve as a platform for needy and vulnerable individuals to seek basic, pro bono legal advice on personal matters. Specifically for the YLC, applicants have to be between 18 - 35 years of age. Student volunteers can observe volunteer lawyers give practical advice to such individuals on how the law affects one's life. 
2. Criminal Legal Aid Scheme (CLAS) provides criminal legal assistance to impecunious accused persons who are unable to afford a lawyer and are facing charges in a Singapore court for non-death penalty offences under statues covered by CLAS. 
3. Law Awareness initiatives such as talks, publications and partnerships with organisations for their members and beneficiaries. 
4. Assist Non-Profit Organisations and Social Enterprises that start with legal clinics and go onto transactional help where necessary.

What students will do during placement
Students will:

1. Sit in and take notes for volunteer lawyers giving advice at the YLC; and
2. Translation (if necessary)

Frequency of placement
4th Friday evening each month

How students will be supervised
Students will be supervised by the CLC team/volunteer lawyers.

What students will learn from the placement
Aside from being exposed to legal knowledge and observing how volunteer lawyers give advice to applicants in legal clinics, students will:

1. Gain a better understanding of the legal aid schemes available in Singapore, especially those administered by PBSG.
2. Become more empathetic listeners.
3. Be exposed to legal knowledge and observe how lawyers give advice to applicants in legal clinics by sitting in and taking notes.
4. Refine their written skills.