Pro Bono Law Clinic

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about

The Pro Bono Law Clinic of DIS-MOI, established in May 2019, offers a service of legal advice to individuals seeking guidance on a wide range of legal matters free of charge in Mauritius. Our services encompass various areas, including civil, corporate and company law, employment, family, immigration, criminal, and property-related issues. While the clinic primarily focuses on providing legal advice, in exceptional cases, our lawyers also extend their support by representing beneficiaries in court proceedings. 

The Pro Bono Law Clinic was established in response to the growing number of individuals reaching out to DIS-MOI for legal assistance. Recognising this unmet need, DIS-MOI decided to establish a dedicated platform to provide free legal advice to those seeking help. With lawyers already collaborating with DIS-MOI, the initiative gained momentum. The Pro Bono Law Clinic primarily provides legal advice only, however, in exceptional cases, lawyers represent beneficiaries in court.

In partnership with other stakeholders, DIS-MOI launched the Pro Bono Law Clinic, creating a structured framework to address diverse legal challenges. Fully funded by the National Social Inclusion Foundation (NSIF), the clinic has been able to sustain its operations and meet the growing demands of the community.

To further enhance accessibility and improve its services, the clinic shifted its office from Port Louis to Sodnac in 2023. It now operates from the Regional Secretariat office of DIS-MOI. This relocation marked another step forward in the clinic’s mission to provide comprehensive legal support to the community.

MISSION & VISION

MISSION

The mission of the Pro Bono Law Clinic is to:

  1. Provide an essential service in terms of legal advice to people facing any type of issues in Mauritius,
  2. Recognise the inequality and injustice in our society’s unmet legal needs,
  3. Improve access to justice by offering pro bono legal advice across Mauritius, and,

Provide legal assistance to special cases of trafficking in person. 

VISION

A community where everyone has the opportunity to access quality legal advice, regardless of their financial abilities, resulting in a more just and equitable society. DIS-MOI Pro Bono Law Clinic also wishes to replicate this initiative in the southwest of the Indian Ocean to promote justice and equality across the region. 

THE TEAM

The Pro Bono Law Clinic Team is a dedicated group of professionals working towards promoting and protecting human rights in Mauritius. Led by our Pro Bono Law Clinic Manager, the team includes experienced lawyers who provide legal expertise and advice, a secretary ensuring smooth coordination, and a voluntary secretary who offers invaluable support. Together, they contribute their time and knowledge to assist those in need, advocate for justice, and strengthen the mission of upholding the human dignity and equality of all. 

Contact Details: legal@dismoi.org

Bhavish Budhoo

Barrister at Law,'Pro Bono Law Clinic' Manager

"With 5 years of practice at the Mauritian Bar, I am proud to manage the DIS-MOI Pro Bono Law Clinic since 2023, a vital initiative providing free legal assistance to those in need. I have been involved in the project since its launch in 2019, contributing to its development and growth. As someone deeply committed to pro bono work, I have personally represented victims of human trafficking in court on a pro bono basis. I take great satisfaction in applying my legal expertise to support and uplift members of society, ensuring that justice is accessible to all.
Cheetra Draveena Barosa

Barrister at Law

Being a barrister at law with 2 years of experience, I consider pro bono legal work as an integral part of being a member of the legal profession. Volunteering at the Pro Bono Law Clinic has been a wonderful opportunity to lend my legal services and skills to the community by providing free legal advice to people, regardless of individual circumstances. It literally changes lives and helps the people who need it most, such as domestic violence victims, elderly persons, immigrants, and people of limited means. "
Yudhisthir Seeboruth

Barrister at Law

"Being a dedicated legal professional with a strong commitment to pro bono work and advancing social justice. As well as a member of the Honourable Society of Middle Temple since 2016, I was admitted to the Bar of England and Wales in 2018 and subsequently called to the Mauritian Bar in 2020. I commenced my legal career at Law Sure Chambers, where I practiced until 2023, before transitioning to private practice. Specialising in civil, criminal, corporate, family, and employment law, I have been providing comprehensive legal services. In addition to my professional pursuits since 2023, I have been an integral part of DIS-MOI, further advancing my commitment to social justice."
Pooja Bhayro

Barrister at Law

"With a Masters of Law in Probono work (LLM) and with 3 years at the Mauritian Bar, I try to be a fierce advocate for the respect of human rights and a part of the Pro Bono Law Clinic of DIS-MOI, where I provide free legal advice to the citizens of Mauritius. I believe the legal profession is a noble one where us, barristers, get to help those going through probably their worst moments in life. I focus on criminal and civil matters, with special attention to women’s rights and equality. "
Sumayyah Hosenbokus

Volunteer Secretary

"As the volunteer secretary of the Pro Bono Law Clinic of DIS-MOI, I help manage administrative tasks and ensure smooth communication between the clients and the legal professionals. Although my academic background is in accounting, I find fulfilment in contributing to meaningful change through administrative support and case reporting. My role allows me to support the clinic’s mission while reinforcing my commitment to social justice.

how to proceed

  1. Beneficiaries contact the clinic via phone, email, social media, or in person.
  2.  Basic legal issue information is collected.
  3. Appointment scheduling is coordinated.
  4. Meetings are carefully managed, with reminders sent to beneficiaries and lawyers.
  5. Accurate records of beneficiary details, meeting notes, and follow-up actions are maintained.
  6. We are committed to ensuring the confidentiality of those who wish to benefit from our services.
  7. Meetings are typically held at the Pro Bono Office, with exceptions for urgent matters.
  8. After case closure, the secretary follows up to ensure beneficiary satisfaction and inquire about potential donations.

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • A notable accomplishment in 2023 was the successful repatriation of 3 Malagasy victims of trafficking. These individuals regained their passports and were safely returned to their home country, where they were reunited with their families. In 2024, the clinic has already managed 10 trafficking cases, highlighting its dedication to offering specialised legal support to vulnerable individuals. 

  • A comparison of 2023 and 2024 data highlights several important trends. The clinic saw a steady demand for civil law advice across both years, with family law issues showing a significant increase in 2024, becoming the most prevalent category at 21%. Employment cases also experienced substantial growth, rising from 6% to 16%. Criminal cases also grew in number, with particular attention to those supported through prison outreach, highlighting the clinic’s proactive approach to criminal justice.

  • 2023 data shows that civil cases were the most reported, making up 34% of all cases. Domestic violence and other issues each recorded 13%, while criminal cases followed with 16%. Family and property/land matters were less prominent, with 9% each. Employment-related issues were notably fewer, with only 2%, and there were no recorded cases in the corporate/company category.

  • The data for 2024 indicates notable shifts in the distribution of beneficiaries who receieved legal assistance. Family-related issues emerged as the most prevalent category, with 21%, reflecting a significant increase compared to 2023. Civil cases remained consistently high, with 17%. Criminal cases, which accounted for 14% of the total in 2024, included two cases involving clients who were supported directly through prison interventions, emphasising the organisation’s outreach efforts. Employmentrelated cases also rose significantly to 12%, and property/land disputes increased to 10%. Other legal matters accounted for 16%, while domestic violence cases declined to 3%. The corporate/company category, which had no reported cases in 2023, recorded 3% in 2024.

OUR PARTNERS

The Pro Bono Law Clinic collaborates closely with various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) like the: 

  1. National Solidarity and Integration Fund (NSIF)
  2. International Organisation for Migration (IOM)
  3. Passerelle
  4. Univers’elles
  5. Collectif Arc-en-ciel
  6. Ki Nou Ete
  7. Not a Number

These partnerships extend the clinic’s reach and enhance its ability to address a wide range of legal issues, providing comprehensive support to beneficiaries. Additionally, the clinic works with institutions such as:

  1. Director of Public Prosecutions’ office (DPP)
  2. Mauritius Police Force
  3. National Human Rights Commission
  4. Ombudsperson for Children.

These collaborations ensure a multidisciplinary approach to legal assistance, strengthening the clinic’s efforts in offering effective solutions and resources to individuals in need.