Legal aid clinic aims to help PJ’s underserved

More than 20 firms pledge to lend their expertise and time

BRIDGING the gap between legal service providers and those most in need ensures that justice is available to everyone.

With this as a primary goal, the Justice Within Reach “Keadilan Milik Semua” legal clinic was established.

Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung described the legal clinic as an embodiment of its stakeholders’ shared commitment to justice, equality and community empowerment.

“The initiative was borne out of a deep concern for the growing number of individuals in our community who face legal challenges without the means to access proper legal representation.

“As an MP, I have witnessed first-hand the struggles of those who have been denied justice simply because they lack financial resources.

“It became clear to me that something needed to be done.”

An initiative by legal firm Tan Norizan & Associates (Tanoriz), the clinic is a collaboration between Brickfields Asia College (BAC), Rotary Club of Bukit Bintang (RCBB), All Women’s Action Society (Awam) and local stakeholders that include Lee.

To date, over 20 legal firms have pledged their expertise and time to handle pro bono cases.

Additional firms are expected to join the initiative in the near future.

A soft launch for the legal clinic was held during RCBB’s 34th presidential and board installation in Kuala Lumpur.

Lee explained that the clinic was designed to provide a free first consultation and low-cost yet expert legal services covering various areas of the law.

“It would also serve as a platform to raise awareness about legal rights.”

Lee welcomed donations to sustain the legal clinic and extend its reach.

It will focus on the most underserved and vulnerable segments of the Petaling Jaya community, including those from low-income groups, victims of domestic violence, discrimination and human trafficking, youths, students, the elderly, illiterate, persons with disabilities, non-profit and advocacy groups, immigrants, stateless persons, homeless and gig economy workers.

Set to officially open on Oct 1, the legal clinic will operate through three channels: walk-ins, online consultations and roadshows.

Walk-ins will be available at BAC and Lee’s offices during designated hours.

For details, visit Justice Within Reach Legal Clinic or Tan Norizan & Associates on their social media platforms.