The Free Legal Advice Days form part of the Law Society’s objectives to make legal services more accessible to those members of the public who cannot afford legal services. It also provides an opportunity to skilled professionals to give back to their communities.
Since its inception in 2014, the Office of the Ombudsman has been instrumental in the success of the FLAD by supporting this project and assisting the LSN with the venues and advertising the event in the regions.
The Windhoek FLAD took place on Thursday, 19 September 2019 at the UN Plaza Community Hall, Soweto, Katutura, in a revised format. It was held after office hours (from 17h00 – 20h30). The following topics were addressed in the form of panel discussions, where after time was allowed for questions:
- Wills & Estates (presented by J Nghishitende – Office of the Master of the High Court)
- Labour (presented by K Sihlahla – Office of the Labour Commissioner)
- Mal-administration (presented by Ombudsman J Walters – Ombudsman: Namibia)
- Children’s rights (presented by I Husselmann – Office of the Ombudsman)
- Domestic Violence and Divorce & maintenance (presented by A-D Hans-Kaumbi – Ueitele & Hans Inc)
The revised format better catered for those members of the public who are employed and cannot necessarily afford the time-off during work hours to attend and long waiting periods for individual consultations, were avoided.
The Honourable Madam Rachel Jacob, Chairperson of Khomas Regional Council, officially opened the event and LSN Council member, Mr Etuna Josua, delivered the welcoming remarks. LSN Senior Legal Officer, Hendrik Mauyoma, officiated the event.
On this occasion eighty-one (81) members of the public benefited from the FLAD and various legal practitioners were also in attendance.
The next FLAD for 2019 is planned for Thursday, 24 October 2019 in Tsumeb.
The Chairperson, Council and Directorate of the Law Society of Namibia sincerely thank all involved for their participation and support in making the Free Legal Advice Day project a success.
