Young Pro Bono Lawyers: Why We Gave Up Private Practice To Give Legal Advice For Free

[@EvilSaigon]

Burning question in my mind: How do full-time pro bono lawyers make money, like where does the funding come from? My guess are like government subsidy, or sponsorships from an organisation, or earnings from winning cases.

[@CNAInsider]

While Pro Bono SG’s operating expenditure is largely covered by grants from the Ministry of Law and other statutory boards, it raises funds for remaining expenses which can come from foundations, grantmakers, law firms, other benefactors, and the general public through channels like www.giving.sg/organisation/profile/cb2686d0-71e1-4b0e-b227-42da8dbd9746

[@Booker-ig6phT]

#moontellthat

[@noproblematallmate]

Marry a rich spouse

[@SrinivasKotamarthy]

@@noproblematallmate what a loser

[@linusboyz]

Daddy and mommy

[@lilytamlili7297]

So proud of these lawyers to give free legal assistance! Salute and respect!

[@TerenceTHNg]

Service to community. Dedication

[@jbrkjferkjbekjb]

Actually the ones working full time are being paid so it’s not “free” per se.

[@lookingaheadoftime]

This is another quality documentary by CNA. Please continue to keep up the good work! CNA really never fail to bring out certain nostalgic feeling, even as I've grown and progress as an individual. This neighbourhood is a place that Im familiar with - its belongs to the opposition party, and it is where my grandparent grew up in. I grew up in there when I was a child and when I was very much younger. I am familiar with the neighbourhood, since I do have some distanced family member living around the neighbourhood, and I am glad how much how much the environment has transformed. Please keep up the good work.

[@TheCourageChapter]

So proud of you Jian Yang and team!!

[@yipjianyang8192]

Thank you!

[@Booker-ig6phT]

Come for my money

[@jbrkjferkjbekjb]

As someone in the legal industry myself, these lawyers are an extremely rare breed indeed. I would go so far as to say the practice of doing “charity” / “pro bono” in law runs contrary to the entire legal culture in Singapore where the emphasis is usually on getting awards, getting a book of business, becoming “senior counsel”, and earning a huge paycheck. All the “top lawyers” you know earn their accolades from representing big businesses largely because of how commercial-minded our political system is, unlike in other European cultures where there is a much stronger culture of recognising lawyers who defend the poor and needy. In fact if you spend your time doing charity as a lawyer, you’d likely be sidelined by your ambitious peers, seniors, and so called “top lawyers” because you’d never make senior counsel or be recognised as a top lawyer in your own right (at least for now). Forget mentorship in big firms with huge resources to provide top training. However I would also be cautious about making pro bono lawyers out to be “heroes” protecting the “innocent” - because whether you’re rich or poor, you can be equally guilty of a crime and all lawyers (including pro bono lawyers) have to work within that ambiguity and advocate for the “innocence” of their client even if the client may not in truth be innocent. Hence unlike “heroes” who always strive to do the right thing for everyone, even pro bono lawyers are primarily on the side of their clients only (not victims of crime if any). And also heroes work for free - these lawyers earn a salary and should be paid competitively as they should not be doing meaningful work at the expense of a decent quality of life for themselves and their families.

[@SongMingAng]

Pro bono lawyers are offering their services not for the innocent (that's for the court to decide), but for low-income folks. That's what makes them heroes - because they're helping the needy. As mentioned in the documentary, "My job is not to judge my client, my job is to advocate. If anything, I was on the side that needed me most." Everyone deserves access to legal representation. Full respect to pro bono lawyers, especially in the context of Singapore, where cost of living is sky-high and creates a culture that privileges money over people.

[@soonglinhao]

My utmost respect to these people. Our society needs more people like them.

[@LaiChingLeong-p6i]

Respect to you all! And what’s interesting for me is the diversity in the group working out of a Chinese temple! 👍

[@janeyeo3389]

Pro Bono lawyer is like Angel for those not able to afford. Respect and Thank You!🙏👍

[@nicholasyong7051]

people vouch for the right for everyone to be defended in the court of law until it becomes to inconvenient to do so due to personal bias and perception, thats why pro bono lawyers are so important and needed in society as they truly fight for all

[@Booker-ig6phT]

#nigahiga

[@jbrkjferkjbekjb]

The slight complication is that their foremost duty is to their clients, so strictly speaking they are fighting for their clients not “all”.

[@iyja]

@@jbrkjferkjbekjb First to the Law, Second to the Court, Third to the Clients.

[@jbrkjferkjbekjb]

@@iyja the first 2 duties simply mean not lying or misleading the court, that’s a given. Other than that the lawyers’ first duty is to fight only for the client against everyone else.

[@niBBunn]

​@@jbrkjferkjbekjbsemantics, semantics. Obviously lawyers can't fight for everyone, equally, at the same time. This service is to provide equity in justice, acting as a safety net so that even the needy or people accused of heinous crimes can get the defense they are entitled to. Hence, all are ensured a legal expert to assist them in obtaining justice. Why don't you stop trying to poke holes in common phrases and engage in some meaningful banter.

[@MaestroSong]

definitely a good way for young and fresh lawyer to gain experience. hope this gain more recognition!

[@brandonteh9179]

Thank you for giving back to the community. Not all heroes wear capes. We are all proud of u!!!

[@Booker-ig6phT]

#justkiddingnews

[@jarlaxlebanere206]

Much respect. Keep up the great work Pro Bono SG! And thank CNA for this segment :) It's heartening to know such options are available for those in need.

[@viewer6912]

Much respect for these lawyers. Thank you for all you do and blessings to all of you.

[@phillipng252]

Respect you .Pro Bono lawyers You made Singapore proud .Not only we are to be digitalise but mentally capability .

[@Dantheman8222]

Deep appreciation to the Tian De temple committee, and devotees that have graciously hosting them!

[@Iskandar-qc2hp]

MashaAllah❤❤❤.. Keep it up guys. . May Allah Bless U All With Hidayah For The Kindness U Shows And Gave...

[@eleanoroh20]

thks u to u all young graduated young lawyers for having such a wonderful heart to give free services to our citizen really kudos to u guys whatever u all do hopefully from the bottom of your heart n not to show off or gain popularity thks once again hopefully others hdb estates to can have such lawyers to serve their estate communities thks.

[@wailinglee1335]

Passion gives you the courage to take a different path in life. Thank you for giving back.

[@kiansoon2916]

Awesome bunch of young and capable lawyers doing the little things to help to build a fair and equitable society - well done!

[@perfectace60]

Salute to these selfless lawyers. Respect!!! Thank you...

[@MyHanck]

One of the most resourceful people in this country has ever seen or heard.

[@robintang7304]

You guys are admirable,thank you very much for your sacrifice, giving up the good life and doing this very tough job

[@gosikh]

Thank you all. You are making this world better.

[@oneadultt7399]

Thank you so much for your sacrifice and service our local silent heroes ♥

[@MyHanck]

They are one of the most innovative, resourceful and enterprising people around, anywhere!

[@eddiemuhumuxa]

Very wonderful human beings. ❤️ Thanks for serving.

[@letsgoletsgoletsgoletsgoletsgo]

Cai Cheng Ying speaks so well, she have a radio DJ quality to her voice , like serious news or finance voice , very good

[@lyw5345]

didn't know such a service existed. really insightful watch!

[@celestialstar124]

Respect towards these pro bono lawyers. They took pay cut and cannot really choose their clients to be able to help and give in to the society.

[@Jasmin.M-hz5ty]

I'm from croatia,and most people in croatia could use pro bono lawyer.Especially thouse people,who was wronged by the system.I have see many examples in the news,where 10.000 workers was fired from old yugoslavia created factories.Only to stuck in legal battle for 100 unpayed calaries,and various other lawsuits related to workers wright.

[@PeterLeo-m6w]

Yes, store up ur riches in heaven by ur good deeds, the reward is greater than all the $$ u can make on earth, God bless u all!❤❤

[@moonrei69]

These are the real TOP lawyers.

[@HaveAGoodHeart]

highest respect to all these great lawyers and also the temple and the temple donors, supporters.

[@fademeifyoucan8820]

Very noble lawyers; many lawyers join the industry to earn big bucks but these lawyers look beyond the money.

[@JeffryManhulad]

These guys are heroes ❤

[@TerenceTHNg]

They are not after money. Rare birds.

[@louischen2109]

History lesson. There will be, always a certain class of people who on their own do not have the means to do which is required of themselves. However, there also be existence of HEROES who do not necessary have to do it but choose to do it for the concern of these people because in the heart of these heroes they can hear their cries. This is the balance that is provide to the world.

[@WendeLee-u6j]

Keep it up , it's Amazing job to help the needy . Kudos , I didn't know that there's such place . GOD Bless U All . 🙏

[@yomista]

well done and thanks so much for your selfless sacrifices

[@Agnesliew23]

Such big-hearted lawyers! I applaud you!

[@trensa7]

God Bless you young lawyers

[@gabbyfoo2]

Om Mani Padme Hum......Om Tare Tutare Ture Svaha...May you all have a blissful life. Thank you.

[@Booker-ig6phT]

#phamily wish all after life anywhere we are

[@Booker-ig6phT]

Mohammed

[@Booker-ig6phT]

#hoemgirl #cerouxcerose

[@lchan1977]

Truly champions.

[@Callsign-Blade_RunnerSG]

Big things have Small beginnings. 👍🏼

[@psychedeliciously]

Props to these hardworking lawyers

[@red_ashcroft]

Nicer to see young Lawyers who are willing to help people than earn a quick buck. The reality is law seems to be elusive to the economically disadvantaged, and these young hopefuls really bring hope to people. I respect those kind of people.

[@angela031]

Legal help is not just giving free legal advice. To really help is to go through and complete the case. A simple case can take few years to conclude if parties appeal, and the apparent simplest case can cost hundreds of work hours. The pro bono lawyersm have to find a way to feed themselves and to feed their supporting staffs and to pay for the other overheads such as rents electricity and water and stationery and office equipments.

[@jbrkjferkjbekjb]

Exactly, it doesn’t sound feasible without help from the government unfortunately. It’s one of those things which is a public good.

[@michaeltham9914]

Well done lawers 👍👍👍

[@andyvurealtor]

Lawyers with hearts ❤

[@peterha7634]

Thanks To All of you for Helping the Needy❤❤❤❤

[@NN-xp2el]

God bless these people!

[@AhmadNur-g2h]

I can do this kind of work exceptionally well. In fact, my advice could be even better than real time lawyer/solicitor advice since I will look every little detail where some professionals miss!

[@SamsonOhsem]

We need more people like this

[@jasxteo]

Really kudos to them!

[@mapleleaves7345]

really proud of them... most lawyer drain alot of your $$.. i already spend $12k and have not gone through mediation. it is really super draining on my pocket

[@SteveLoy-o5d]

Thanks you All young lawyer can help some people low income

[@ownthegame3]

impressive! respect!

[@Singaporegrandmaster]

Wonderful❤

[@Bonbon-C]

I want to study law in Singapore and make a difference in other people's lives,.... I just hope I'm not too old for it =)

[@latia876]

Wishing you all the best! 💪🏼✨

[@stickymoney]

THANK YOU!!!

[@Booker-ig6phT]

No thank you! #felista6794 witness #theschoellerfamily

[@clementihammock7572]

Without the Engineer turned Pro Bono Lawyer, the innocent maid will be bullied by the CB Atas shameful hypocrite family.

[@sleepyearth]

word

[@jeantay3586]

Great People 👍 Salute u Lawyers 🙇🏻‍♀️👍

[@Booker-ig6phT]

Where's Minnesota! #ambi

[@mehhhh5588]

And I thought this only exists in movies!! All you $1 lawyers or $2 due to inflation (I had to laugh out loud on that point by Sadh) are the most priceless lawyers out there ever!! ❤❤❤

[@beelian413]

When you setup legal office in a temple, you have god backing you up 😂

[@doctor_cats]

thank you heroes

[@batmankky]

Hougang Justice League: Wonder Women, Green Laterns, Batmen & Robins, etc.

[@shiva_rai]

Nice ..can pray and also get free legal advice.

[@teenytinyT]

If only more countries can have pro bono legal services like this! Australia has a pot of community legal centres but they mostly just give simple over the phone advice and do not take any action on behalf of clients or represent them in court

[@hming2108]

Not all heroes wear Capes! Gd job guys!

[@chongjcj6977]

good for you ! much blessings sadhux3...from a retired lawyer in Msia. sadhux3

[@denisechan5992]

Even though the lawyers are pro bono and may not paid their full worth, they are paid a reasonable pay. Who or where they get their funding?

[@ivantang5254]

They have partnerships with foundations and charity organisations that support them. Most of the time, it's the social welfare systems or similar institutions that provide funding support because they are already helping people save for being able to provide legal counsel.

[@wildpasta]

It's all good, man.

[@gnoek]

Please give more credits to those volunteer lawyers in the community.

[@papa-dt1cv]

❤❤❤❤

[@anziar3038]

S'poreans of all ages are very well taken care of by the PAP govt.❤❤

[@Adriencheng1978]

Daniel said 20 years for sexual assault, pretty sure that’s assault on minor below 14 lah.

[@nel-j7v]

But if he did the deeds, how could one walk away like a free man?

[@papazhao9225]

@@nel-j7v this is scary~

[@Adriencheng1978]

@@nel-j7v the lawyer said everyone deserves a representation. But I think like the majority. If one commits a crime, you go prison. Straightforward.

[@zyrob3435]

@@nel-j7v As hinted in the video, it was a "he said, she said" case. So possibly insufficient evidence, and the Court gave a discharge not amounting to acquittal, which means that the Court can reopen the case if new evidence surfaces.

[@computerzero2681]

Hiw do they make money tho?

[@mandyz5436]

🙏

[@cjyoung4080]

How can we support them? And does SG not have public defenders?

[@zyrob3435]

How can we support them? - There is a link in the topmost comment posted by CNA where you can make a donation. . Does SG not have public defenders? - Yes, there is a new Public Defenders' Office set up recently but prior to that, only the Pro Bono office provided legal services for criminal cases (Source: I volunteered there before).

[@qilimercurial5116]

Do they earn money?

[@Tan92lfc]

Pro Bono for criminal case should be funded by Department of Justice

[@revertinthemaking]

I don't remember ever seeing your content, yet I am subscribed and notifications are turned on. I went in to clean up my subscription list, and your channel was right at the top. I will unsubscribe and resubscribe to see if that clears up the problem.

[@Jasmin.M-hz5ty]

I'm in need for pro bono lawyer,that can fix my problem with 28 years long unemployment,harrasing social wellfare service,low unemployment compansation,stolen inheritance,and fair pay job.And please,i'm from croatia,and i need pro bono lawyer,that is close.

[@marvelcomiks8078]

This is a very good and admirable effort. But the team needs to put in place a system to sieve out those who don't really need help or are actually filthy rich looking for free service. Otherwise they will be bogged down by 'redundant work'. Not easy. Get those who come to fill in a declaration form first before service.

[@CNAInsider]

While Pro Bono SG offers free advice through their legal clinics to walk-ins, potential clients need to pass its means and merits test to qualify for further legal aid such as representation in the courts.

[@linusboyz]

Respect but pls fight hard and fierce. Pls do not prepare our poor as sacrifice for the rich big lawyers.

[@jon_nomad]

One have to remember, lawyers are the same as investment consultants... their advice mostly have a 50% chance.

[@JimmyYuen-n5n]

Early days the lawyers were an internary lot after a judgement the fee is put into his hood on his back for these iternary judges😊😊

[@MasterLeong88]

respect max!

[@papazhao9225]

Just wonder. Do Singapore has any system tracking sex offender after they release fr jail . The gag order seems protect the culprit more. We will never know who they’re even they’re the people around us.

[@sleepyearth]

ngl, this can probably only happen in WP's estates.

[@sadsett]

everything also must involve politics HAHAHA

[@sleepyearth]

@@sadsett Ofc. Like this video said. Law is involved in every aspects of our lives, so does politics. Every political decision affects every Singaporean directly or indirectly. I'm not that naïve to think otherwise.

[@sayurik]

Many constituencies hold monthly legal clinics for the public that has been operating for many years. There’s no need to bring political parties into this.

[@jwc3535]

if you committed wrongdoings and caused harm, u shd be dealt with accordingly. Why provide free legal aid to these bad people to mitigate/void their charges? What about the victims they harmed then? This isn't fair.

[@laiyinquan8355]

No, you need to understand the difference between fairness and justice. From the perspective of fairness, both parties should be treated equally in the eyes of the law before conviction, in that they both are entitled to legal aid and protection. On the other hand, if the accused has truly committed a heinous crime that even their lawyer can only argue for mitigation, then I would say that's unjust, but it truly depends on the mitigating factors.

[@peterpan9785]

Mitigation plea takes 90% of the court cases here in sg - thats what most lawyers do when the accused is charged .. dont think of trial like in the US here in sg

[@Didi-h3n]

not all heroes wear caps

[@7WhiteSword]

this all sounds good until you run out of funding, at the end of the day everyone will need to make money

[@theonewhoseeksYahweh]

I truly wish South Africa could follow suit! It is almost undesirable to aspire as one who protects and advocates for the community around them. Instead, our commercial-driven legal practice is reverred!

[@aquilaANDprisca]

But isn't there separation of attorney & State in S . Africa such that attorneys charge less than barristers (lawyers licenced by the State for all kinds of legal agency, including criminal defense where the death penalty is allowed)? The video said that these aren't "senior lawyers" but recent graduates.

[@theonewhoseeksYahweh]

@@aquilaANDprisca No there is no such separation (and we dont have the death penalty btw) My main point is that recent law graduates in SA dont care for defending those who cannot afford legal representation/are vulnerable in our society.

[@tkyap2524]

For free but where is the income?

[@Booker-ig6phT]

Stop kidnapping education ! #roseinchina1

[@KaderMosta-t5k]

🐀🇩🇿❤🇯🇵In Algeria, we will protect against nuclear radiation, through awareness raising in Algerian schools, Algerian hospitals, television and royal radio, and health and judicial guidelines, for example, a nuclear judiciary is not an environment for training lawyers and judges in nuclear radiation. 🌹In the USA they have a more effective experience 🌹Nuclear crimes 🌹

[@hikkomorisg]

Lawyer Cai Chengying's style of talking reminds me of PM Lawrence Wong

[@TerenceTHNg]

She is down to earth and has empathy for the poor.

[@hikkomorisg]

@user-uw1br3cr8d i agree, but i was trying to say is they reach the same inflection at certain point of the sentence when they speak. Watch a video of PM Wong speaking, maybe then you understand

[@sinalbertckwong6406]

....LFA! is it another channel to the more rewarding political career? IE sloth it out in the wilderness for a year or two sort of getting your toe in the door, getting the attention and Walla! you are found, either you want to be or they found you!!!!!! 😅😅😅

[@garfieldandfriends1]

The $1 lawyer Mrbeast is probably finding 😂

[@farrahkong1998]

Why are fresh graduates without experiences helping the defenceless and poor people? Why aren't the experienced lawyers serving for the public good? Shouldn't the young lawyers beside them and learn before they offer their services? Why? If it is real pro bono services, wealthy lawyers should come forward to challenge in the court. They should also hire the young lawyers to work for them as a team, for the sake of their experience. One-dollar lawyer means cheap and is in its fullest connotation.

[@jbrkjferkjbekjb]

I agree with you. Unfortunately the legal culture in Singapore does not support experienced lawyers coming out to serve pro bono - the incentive is simply not there (one could even argue there are disincentives). When you represent the poor and needy accused persons, you are in effect challenging the police, prosecutors, etc, which are all organs of the state. One needs finesse to handle the political aspect of it as well.

[@zyrob3435]

This video only discusses full-time lawyers who are essentially employees of the charity getting decent pay. But there are in fact many senior lawyers who are volunteer lawyers doing pro bono work in their own time / outside of their regular clients for minimal stipends.

[@jbrkjferkjbekjb]

@@zyrob3435 “many”? Like who? I don’t think so.

[@paparoti4006]

Smart. Long term plan to join the ruling party.

[@Booker-ig6phT]

#mazelee