Access to legal aid very costly for Dubai residents

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BSA Legal Clinic 2018.-Supplied photo
BSA Legal Clinic 2018.-Supplied photo

Dubai - There are times when firms charge individuals a minimum of Dh5,000 for a simple consultation.

By Dhanusha Gokulan

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Published: Tue 16 Oct 2018, 7:00 PM

Last updated: Tue 16 Oct 2018, 10:13 PM

Access to high-quality legal aid continues to prove costly and is sometimes, an impossibility for the average Dubai residents. Residents stuck in a legal quandary in the UAE say affordability of legal services in the country needs to improve, as single consultations with a lawyer can cost Dh5,000.
Several expatriates Khaleej Times spoke to, said pro-bono services need to be made available for individuals belonging to low-income groups, domestic violence cases, workers' compensation cases and exceptions could be made for humanitarian issues.
Simonne Cooper, an Australian national and businesswomen based in Dubai, said: "As a small-time business owner in Dubai, it is sometimes a common place for people to seek legal advice. However, there are times when firms charge individuals a minimum of Dh5,000 for a simple consultation."
Following the success from the first edition of the free legal clinic and in a bid to provide respite to the high costs for legal aid in the UAE, the Dubai Economic Department (DED), in association with legal firm BSA Ahmed bin Hezeem and Associates LLP, provided a free legal clinic to approximately 300 individuals in three locations across Dubai on Monday.
The clinics took place in three separate locations including the DED Head Office in Deira, Tas'heel in Oud Metha and Al Twar Centre. A total of 25 experienced lawyers provided free legal information to individuals who attended the event.
Cooper suggested that free legal services are beneficial in domestic violence cases and workers compensation cases. She explained: "In cases where the husband is the sole breadwinner in a household, and if the wife is victim to domestic abuse, she will not be able to afford legal services."
She added: "Pro-bono services are also required for internal employee disputes. Employees who have been unfairly dismissed, or have not been paid salaries for several months, cannot afford lawyers' fees."
Dr Ahmed bin Hezeem, senior partner at BSA, said: "We are well aware that not everybody has the financial means to consult a lawyer, nor do they have the knowledge on how to address these issues. After two decades operating in the region, the legal clinic is our way to give back to the community, by offering help and support in what we do best.
Speaking about the kind of cases that were presented at the event, Dr Hezeem said: "A mix of questions were raised. Some issues were pertaining to labour, financial cases, real estate, and a few personal and family issues were raised.
Nadia Qayum, a British national financial planner, who attended the free clinic, strongly recommended pro-bono services should be offered to members of the general public.
"More free legal clinics for individuals working on the mainland would definitely be helpful. However, pro-bono services should ideally support the most vulnerable people in the community."

Questions and answers

Dr Ahmed bin Hezeem, the senior partner at BSA, provided a series of first responses to common issues that require legal aid.
What are your options in the case of a financial crisis?
The first step would be to have a direct and honest conversation with the bank. Banks are willing to listen to the clients and come down to a settlement. The first step should not be to go for legal counsel, however, if the matter is non-negotiable, one can approach a lawyer to mediate with the bank.
What is the first course of action in the case of a rental dispute?
You can approach the Centre for Rental Dispute in the Land Department, who report directly to the Dubai Courts. They provide a direct procedure to sort out the problem with the landlord.
What are the options available in case of a family crisis?
The Centre for Amicable Settlement of Disputes in the Reconciliation Centre at Dubai Courts has a fantastic record for clearing family issues. They are well equipped to deal with this kind of cases in a professional manner.
What to do in case of a labour issue?
The Dubai Courts have managed to arrange an agreement to deal with the case within the Ministry of Human resources and Emiratisation. The department in-charge in the ministry will settle the issue amicably. Disputes are filed in the same location.
What options are available to victims of financial fraud?
Victims should go to Dubai Police, that is the first course of action.
There are times when firms charge individuals a minimum of Dh5,000 for a simple consultation."
Simonne Cooper, businesswoman
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com
 


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