Access to justice is a basic right of individuals, but many they face problems when navigating the complex legal system. The lack of financial support and limited knowledge restrict them from obtaining legal guidance. In this context, legal services emerge as a solution that bridges the gap between citizens and justice. These services empower individuals and ensure fairness, equality, and the protection of their rights.
According to Extrapolate, the legal services market was worth $901.8 billion in 2021 and is projected to be valued at $1037.3 billion in 2030, growing at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 5.5% over 2022-2030. So, let's explore more about this expanding world of services that offer legal support.
What are Legal Services?
Legal services, legal advice services or legal aid refers to the guidance or work provided by an attorney for a client. These services encompass counsel, advice, or assistance for law-related matters that help individuals understand the legal system and protect their rights.
Some specific examples of legal services include the following:
- Reviewing contracts
- Negotiating business arrangements
- Drafting legal documents
- Representing clients in court
In the United States, the American Bar Association restricts legal aid to being offered by lawyers only. Rule 5.4 of its Model Rules of Professional Conduct states that a lawyer shall not form a partnership with a non-lawyer for the partnership activities that consist of the practice of law. However, internationally, the definition of legal services does not specify the person responsible for delivering those services.
Key Types of Legal Services
Legal aid encompasses a wide range of activities and areas of law. Here are some of their main types:
- Family Law: These services include family matters, such as divorce, child custody and support, adoption, and domestic violence. For example, Legal Services Corporation (LSC), the largest funder of civil law, focuses on family law and housing matters. LSC encourages collaboration with other funders to leverage limited resources.
- Real Estate Law: Real estate or property legal services include buying, selling, leasing, and resolving disputes related to real estate.
- Business Law: These services assist businesses with various legal matters, such as contract drafting and negotiation, business formation, intellectual property protection, and compliance with regulations.
- Criminal Law: These legal advice services are related to criminal offenses, including defense representation for individuals accused of crimes and prosecution by government entities.
- Employment Law: These services deal with issues arising in the employer-employee relationship, such as wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, and labor disputes.
- Personal Injury Law: These services help individuals seek compensation for injuries caused by the negligence or intentional actions of others, including accidents, medical malpractice, and product liability cases.
- Intellectual Property Law: these services involve protecting and enforcing intellectual property rights, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.
Who is Eligible for Legal Services?
Legal aid is available to a wide range of individuals, including:
- Veterans: Veterans can access legal help through various channels. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides legal services for veterans, service members, people with military experience, and their families. This assistance includes Veterans Justice Outreach Specialists and partnerships with legal clinics.
- Service Members: Active-duty service members and their families have access to free legal benefits through their legal assistance offices. These services may include lease agreement reviews, estate planning, advice in cases of lawsuits, and more.
- Seniors: Seniors can also benefit from legal aid. This includes free legal services for seniors, addressing issues such as estate planning, housing, and civil matters. The ACL in the U.S. protects older individuals from challenges to their independence, choice, and financial security. They have about 1,000 OAA-funded service providers across the globe and provide more than one million hours of legal assistance per year.
- Low-Income Individuals: There are several legal aid programs and organizations that provide free legal services to individuals with low incomes. These programs are generally funded by the Legal Services Corporation (LSC). They focus on areas such as housing, family, consumer issues, and public benefits. It distributes over 90% of its funding to 131 independent nonprofit legal aid programs with over 800 offices.
10 Key Benefits of Legal Services
Listed below are ten major benefits offered by legal aid:
- These services protect legal rights and interests.
- They offer access to expert legal advice and guidance.
- They assist in navigating complex legal processes.
- They lower the legal risks and obstacles.
- They offer solutions for disputes through negotiation or litigation.
- They ensure adherence to necessary laws and rules.
- They help preserve and transfer assets through proper estate planning.
- They offer protection against fraud and unfair practices.
- They help with advocacy and representation in court proceedings.
- They offer peace of mind, as legal matters are handled professionally and effectively.
How are Countries Strengthening Their Legal Services Globally?
Here is an overview of several countries' efforts to promote legal assistance.
1. India
On May 31, 2024, the Nagaland State Legal Services Authority Member Secretary inaugurated an LSC (legal services clinic) at Tizu Valley Biodiversity Conservation and Livelihood Network (TVBCLN) at Sukhai Village. This clinic will aim to make justice accessible to the people of Kivikhu, Ghukhuyi, and Sukhai villages. The clinic will provide free and competent legal aid, ensuring that services are easily available to the grass-roots section of society.
2. China
In November 2023, the China-ASEAN Law Research Centre and the Bar Association of the Kingdom of Cambodia (BAKC) signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance legal exchanges, human resource development, and the provision of legal services. This was intended to enhance legal capacity and foster professional exchange between the two countries.
3. United States
In 2022, the President of the United States executed an order to strengthen the criminal justice system, highlighting the importance of the dignity and rights of all individuals and making fair and impartial justice. This is crucial for building secure, safe, and healthy communities, as well as for fostering public trust.
Bottom Line
Legal services play a crucial role in ensuring access to justice and supporting the rule of law. Various types of services offer a wide array of benefits to individuals, such as veterans, service members, old citizens, and low-income individuals. These services protect legal rights and interests, offering advice and guidance from experts. Governments across the globe are taking various initiatives to strengthen legal services, including legal aid programs, advising services, online assistance, and awareness campaigns. These efforts aim to empower individuals and societies to promote a more beneficial environment for all.