CASES THAT SHOULD NOT BE HANDLED PRO BONO BY VIVIAN UZOMA

As lawyers, while pro bono work can be a valuable way to help those in need and contribute to our communities, there may be some types of cases that are not suitable for pro bono representation. Here are some examples:

Complex commercial litigation: Pro bono work is typically best suited for legal issues that can be resolved relatively quickly and efficiently. Complex commercial litigation, which involves disputes between businesses or other entities, can be time-consuming and resource-intensive, and may not be well-suited for pro bono work.

This is worse where the parties ought to have consulted a lawyer at the start of the transaction but they refused to do so. Please charge them double for their refusal to do the needful. By the way, since it is a commercial transaction, there must have been actual or expected profits. Therefore, handling such cases pro bono should not be the case.

Cases outside of your expertise: be wary of taking up cases that you do not have expertise or any experience. An example is accepting to handle a case involving capital offences when you have never done so in the past. No be everything them dey use learn work. Be honest with yourself and potential clients about your areas of expertise, and refer cases to other lawyers or organizations that may be better suited to handle them.

Family law: Family law cases, such as divorce, child custody, and adoption, can be emotionally charged and complex; particularly if they involve clients who are dealing with difficult or traumatic situations. This can take a toll on you as you may need to take breaks or seek support to manage your own emotional well-being. Avoid clients that can afford to pay for legal services, but would want to guilt trip you into rendering free services just because of the prevailing circumstances.

Cases with conflicts of interest: Avoid conflicts of interest at all times. This can arise when you have a personal or financial interest in a case or when representing one client may conflict with your obligations to another client. Carefully consider whether a pro bono case presents any conflicts of interest before accepting it.

Cases with unclear merits: Avoid pro bono cases that appear to have weak legal arguments or unclear prospects for success. This is because pro bono clients may not have the resources to pursue appeals or other remedies if the case does not go in their favor.

Did I miss any one? Please add yours.

If you finish reading this and decide to go ahead to offer pro bono services, make I ask you: suffer no dey tire you?

I hope this meets you well.