Duty lawyer: legal definition and example
Definition
A duty solicitor is a lawyer who is available to provide legal services to people who cannot afford to pay for a private lawyer. These lawyers are often employed by government agencies or professional associations to provide free or low-cost legal services to low-income individuals.
Example
Imagine you’re a low-income person who needs legal help to solve a problem. You can’t afford a private lawyer, but you need help to assert your rights. That’s where a duty solicitor comes in.
A duty lawyer is an attorney who is there to help you, regardless of your financial situation. They are there to guide you through the legal system and help you understand your rights. They can help you fill out forms, write letters and represent you in court.
These lawyers are often employed by government agencies or professional associations to provide free or low-cost legal services to low-income people. They are there to help you obtain justice, whatever your financial situation.
If you need legal help, don’t hesitate to contact a duty solicitor. They are there to help and guide you through the legal system. Don’t let your financial situation stand in the way of justice.
Citation and reference
Here are some quotes from Canadian law regarding duty counsel:
– “The right to the assistance of duty counsel is recognized by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.” (Legal Aid Act, R.S.C. (1985), c. A-5, s. 3)
– “Duty counsel is a lawyer who is appointed by a legal aid organization to provide legal services to a person who is eligible for legal aid.” (Legal Aid Act, R.S.C. (1985), c. A-5, s. 2)
– “Duty counsel must provide quality legal services to his client, in accordance with the ethical and professional standards applicable to the legal profession.” (Rules of Conduct, Law Society of Canada, Rule 3.2-1)
– “Duty counsel must respect the confidentiality of information obtained from his client in the course of providing legal services.” (Rules of Conduct, Law Society of Canada, Rule 3.3-1)
