Every Saturday (10 am to 12 pm) by appointment at Legal Associates
Venkat Raman –
venkat@indiannewslink.co.nz
Common people who are unaware of the legal process and those who would like to receive an ‘initial opinion’ at affordable rates would be pleased to know of a new Legal Clinic that would be available on May 6, 2017.
South Auckland based Legal Associates is launching its ‘Free Legal Clinic,’ which will be held every Saturday from 10 am to 12 pm commencing on May 6.
It would be a weekly feature except on public holidays and other days that would be notified by Legal Associates on its website or other communication networks.
In any case, entry to the Free Legal Clinic is restricted to people with prior appointments.
Legal Associates Principal Raj Pardeep Singh said that many people have legal issues but are not sure how to address them.
“The Legal Clinic will give them an opportunity to see one of our lawyers free of charge and get some direction about what they could do. They can obtain initial advice on what options they have to address their issues,” he said.
By Appointments Only
Those keen on attending the Free Legal Clinic must apply for appointment online which must be confirmed by Legal Associates.
“If your appointment is approved by us, you will get 15 minutes to discuss your matters with a Lawyer. However, we do not become your Lawyers just because you have attended our Clinic. You need to engage with Legal Associates and complete the formalities. The advice given at the Clinic would be based on initial information only,” Ashima Singh, Partner at the firm said.
Exclusive Service
While some lawyers provide free consultation as a matter of routine for first-time visitors, we understand that the Legal Clinic being launched by Legal Associates is the first of its kind in New Zealand.
While we have known Mr and Mrs Singh for long, Legal Associates was established by them only in September 2014. Both are qualified Barristers and Solicitors.
Mr Singh said that they identified a need for specialised legal services and legal education among migrant communities.
Enhancing awareness
“There was a lack of awareness around legal responsibilities, obligations and rights which created a gap between migrant communities and their ability to smoothly transition into settling in New Zealand. Legal Associates is identified as a law firm that truly understands the concerns of many migrants and local community members,” Mr Singh said.
According to its website, the firm enlisted 1000 clients during its first 18 months of establishment, stated to be a record.
“Our aim is to become the leading law firm in South Auckland and we are well on our way to reaching that objective,” Ms Singh said.
Legal Associates prides itself of its Multi-Ethnic staff from India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Japan, Tonga, Iraq, Samoa and China who are specialists in Criminal Law, Employment Law, Family Law, Immigration Law, Property Law and Wills and Trusts.
Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards
Legal Associates entered the Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards for the first time in 2016. The firm was a finalist in the ‘Business Excellence in Innovation’ and ‘Best Small-Sized Business’ Categories.
Ashima Singh won the ‘Best Businesswoman of the Year Award’ gratifying her husband, colleagues, staff, associates and the members of her family.
In choosing her for the Award, the panel of Judges commented, “Ashima heads the Property and Commercial Law side of Legal Associates. She has been responsible for exceptional practice growth, developing quality systems within the practice, and building a team of legal experts who cater to the many ethnic groups in South Auckland.”
Photo:
Raj Pradeep and Ashima Singh at the Ninth Annual Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards 2016 held at Sky City Convention Centre, Auckland on November 27, 2016
