Pro Bono Lawyer in Qatar: How to Get Free Legal Advice and Representation

If you are facing a legal issue in Qatar and you cannot afford to hire a lawyer, you may be wondering if there is any way to get free legal advice or representation. The answer is yes, there is a service that can help you: the Pro Bono Service from the Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre (QICDRC).

What is the Pro Bono Service?

The Pro Bono Service is a service that enables eligible individuals to receive legal advice, assistance and representation at no cost. The term 'pro bono' comes from the Latin phrase pro bono publico meaning 'for the public good'. In the legal context, this generally means the provision of free legal services to those who cannot afford to pay for them and where public means of funding are not available.

The Pro Bono Service is provided by lawyers who volunteer their time and expertise to assist individuals with limited financial means in regard to civil and commercial disputes, regulatory appeals or other legal issues that fall within the jurisdiction of the Qatar International Court or QFC Regulatory Tribunal.

The Pro Bono Service is the latest initiative of the Qatar International Court to spearhead the delivery of swift, fair and efficient judgments as part of an innovative legal model for commercial and civil dispute resolution. The service is launched to assist individuals who may be facing difficulties because of COVID-19 and in need of legal advice.

Who can apply for the Pro Bono Service?

The Pro Bono Service is only open to those who genuinely cannot afford to instruct a lawyer and so, as part of the application process, applicants will be required to disclose information about their financial position and provide evidence in support thereof.

The service is also only available for disputes that fall within the jurisdiction of the Qatar International Court or QFC Regulatory Tribunal. These include:

• Civil and commercial disputes arising from contracts or transactions involving the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) or its entities
• Civil and commercial disputes arising from contracts or transactions governed by QFC law or agreed to be resolved by the Qatar International Court
• Regulatory appeals against decisions made by the QFC Regulatory Authority or the QFC Tax Authority

The service is not available for disputes that involve criminal matters, family matters, personal status matters, employment matters, or matters that are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Qatari courts.

How to apply for the Pro Bono Service?

If you meet the eligibility criteria and you wish to apply for the Pro Bono Service, you will need to follow these steps:

• Fill out the online application form on the QICDRC website here. You will need to provide your personal details, a brief summary of your legal issue, and supporting documents to prove your financial situation.
• Submit your application form and wait for a response from the QICDRC Registry. The Registry will review your application and check if it meets the requirements of the service. The Registry may contact you for further information or clarification if needed.
• If your application is accepted, you will be assigned a pro bono lawyer who will contact you to discuss your case and provide you with legal advice, assistance and representation. The pro bono lawyer will act on your behalf and communicate with the other party and the court or tribunal as necessary.
• You will be notified of the outcome of your application within 3 working days of its submission. If approved, your case will be referred to a volunteer lawyer. If refused, or if further information is required, you will be likewise notified.
• If your application is rejected, you will be notified of the reasons for the rejection and you will have the option to appeal the decision within 14 days.

What are the benefits of the Pro Bono Service?

The Pro Bono Service offers several benefits to individuals who are in need of legal support, such as:

• Access to justice: The service enables you to access the Qatar International Court or QFC Regulatory Tribunal, which are independent and impartial judicial bodies that provide high-quality and efficient dispute resolution services.
• Expertise and professionalism: The service connects you with qualified and experienced lawyers who volunteer their time and expertise to help you with your legal issue. The lawyers are subject to the QICDRC Code of Conduct and Ethics and are bound by confidentiality and privilege.
• Cost-effectiveness: The service provides you with free legal advice, assistance and representation, saving you the expenses of hiring a lawyer and paying for court fees and other costs.

Conclusion

The Pro Bono Service from the Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre is a valuable service that can help you with your legal issue in Qatar, if you cannot afford to pay for a lawyer and your dispute falls within the jurisdiction of the court or tribunal. The service is provided by lawyers who volunteer their time and expertise to assist you with your case. The service is easy to apply for and offers several benefits to you and the public good. If you need any legal assistance or advice regarding your dispute in Qatar, you can apply for the Pro Bono Service here.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and should not be construed as legal advice. Please consult with a qualified and experienced Lawyer for personalized guidance regarding your specific situation.