MoU Signing between LBH Jakarta (represented by the Director Febi Yonesta) and Ginting & Reksodiputro Law Firm in association with Allen & Overy Indonesia (represented by Daniel Ginting)

Private sector engaged in access to justice for the poor

In a move to expand legal aid services to the poor, LBH Jakarta initiated a partnership with a private sector law firm to provide pro bono services to meet their unmet demand for free legal counsel. On 1 November 2013, LBH Jakarta signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU with the Law Office of Ginting & Reksodiputro. They will now take referrals from LBH, as well as provide the legal aid organization with free consultation on corporate law cases they handle.

The MoU ceremony was preceded by public discussion on "Creating Access to Justice for the Poor through Pro Bono Services". Daniel Ginting, Managing Partner of Ginting & Reksodiputro noted that domestic law firms should be taking the lead to develop a culture among Indonesian lawyers of providing pro bono services. Through the partnership with LBH, Ginting & Reksodiputro lawyers will gain access to the community, and be oriented by LBH’s non-profit lawyers to the legal needs of marginalized communities.

Febi Yonesta, Director of LBH Jakarta noted that they receive about 1,000 requests for assistance annually but only have the capacity to handle about a third of these. The strategy to create referral partnerships with private sector law firms is one that is endorsed by the Indonesian Bar Association (PERADI). It would like to establish a culture of public service among law firms. "It is hoped that our collaboration with Ginting & Reksodiputro will inspire other law offices to provide pro bono services for the poor,” said Yonesta.