How Can I Help?

Volunteer Lawyers:

Registering you details on our database is the first and most important step in becoming a member of Spare Lawyers for Refugees. All legal practitioners holding a valid practicing certificate are welcome. Registration does not oblige volunteers to act on all requests for pro bono assistance. To join the "Spare Lawyers" database click here.

On becoming a "Spare Lawyer" you will receive email updates. Spare Lawyers e-mails contain a brief synopsis of current clients who are seeking legal assistance. If you are able to provide legal assistance pro bono to one of our clients, please send us a reply-email to confirm your availability.

Once our administrators have received your confirmation of availability, Spare Lawyers for Refugees will provide you with a preliminary merit assessment of the client’s file. SLFR will provide you with all information in our possession relevant to the client’s application. This may include transcripts of interview, previous administrative decisions and judgements. SLFR will also supply you with information on community contacts and legal resources if necessary.

Spare Lawyers for Refugees operates an Internet based case management system. Each client has a case administrator who is directly responsible for maintenance of the client’s file. The case administrator’s role is to provide volunteer lawyers with the preliminary information necessary for case preparation. Most administrators will have had direct contact with the client in detention and may organize the provision of further information if necessary.

Spare Lawyers for Refugees appreciates the generosity of lawyers willing to act pro bono for our clients. We aim to give as much practical assistance and advice to our volunteer lawyers as possible.

SLFR undertakes to pay all communications expenses with detainees and provides all initial administrative support without charge.