Lawyers’ Watch For Justice International Initiative (LAWJII) on Friday 26th July,2024 commenced a two day training on understanding the concepts of Paralegal for rights advocates who are mostly non Lawyers engaged in various field of rights advocacy,such as human rights,health rights,rights of sex workers etc.
In his welcome address, the Executive Director of LAWJII,Gbenga Oladapo Esq stated that the organization have passion for protection of rights of the marginalized and vulnerable persons in the society.
“They lack the resources to provide legal services for themselves whenver their rights are violated.For instance, if a vulnerable person have a matter and approaches a lawyer for legal service, the lawyer will request for legal fee.When the vulnerable person do not have the resources,he or she will let the rights violation go unchalleged.We are here to provide sucour to the vulberable and marginalized persons.
“With the training,you will know your right your neighbours right and what is expected of you.You will understand better how to attend to your clients” he said.
Speaking on the topic “Understanding the Concept of Paralegal” Mr Raymond Okocha stated that a Paralegal is a person(non lawyer) who provides legal first aid services.Mr Okocha emphasized that a paralegal must not assume the status of a lawyer.
He said a paralegal must be dedicated,patient have passion,intergrity,sound mind,polite,disciplined,objective etc
He listed functions of a Paralegal to include basic counselling of clients,preliminary investigation of reports by clients,Alternate Dispute Resolution,preparation of documents amongst others.
Gbenga Oladapo while delivering lecture on Communication skills noted that a paralegal must have good communication skills in the course of discharge of his duties.
Highpoint of the training was division of the participants into groups to list and discuss barriers to effective communication.
Earlier,the participants narrated some of the rights violations they have encountered .
Our correspondent feoirts that the training continues on Saturday 27th July 2024.
