Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Attorney offers free legal services to his community
CHAPTER 2 in The Bill of Rights states that everyone is equal before the law and has the right to equal protection and benefits such as access to courts.
However, those without capital often do not enjoy this right.
A young attorney from Wellington, Dale Dreyden, noticed this and seized the opportunity to offer pro bono services to his community in an attempt to close the gap.
“I’m from Wellington, an impoverished community. So I know what it’s like not having access to things you need.”
On graduation, Dreyden started Dreyden Attorneys, where he now offers free consultation services.
“The reason I’m offering pro bono services is that during my three years of training as a candidate attorney, I saw first-hand how less fortunate people are taken advantage of in the legal process.
“They don’t have access to quality and dependable legal advice.”
To make things easier for people geographically far from him, Dreyden also started consulting via social media. “I’m providing free consultation services via any social media app, making it easier and more cost effective to receive quality advice without incurring travel expenses.”
He also uses social media to offer legal advice on matters ordinary people may face, especially with the police, like searches without warrants.
He said his firm is open to anyone seeking legal advice, whatever their location. He has partnered with another firm that recognised his methodology and wanted to do the same.
“The response has been very positive. I’ve received numerous requests for advice and assistance with drawing up of documents and the like. I plan to eventually employ like-minded attorneys.”
Community member Ricardo McKenzie said one of the lessons the youth should learn is practising Ubuntu.
“If we all can offer our skills to communities without expecting anything in return, we’d have a better country. It’s commendable what Dreyden is doing, and people who can afford legal services must pay him so he can reach more people. We have police officers that abuse their power because they know people cannot afford litigation.”