My name is Joy Lim, and I am a 3L at Regent. This semester, I had the privilege of
working on another project for Justice Ventures International (JVI).
My task was to research legal aid in Nigeria. Nigeria has a Legal Aid Council that
enforces the Legal Aid Act. The Act was created in 2011. The Act states that people whose
income does not exceed the minimum wage are eligible for legal aid. Eligible people can receive
legal aid in criminal and civil issues. Legal aid services include representation in court, legal
advice, and mediation. These services are free for eligible people, and they may submit
applications to get legal aid.
Proverbs 31:8-9 says, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights
of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” This
verse has some important lessons for us. First, it tells us to speak for those who cannot speak for
themselves. These may be people who do not have a place to be heard. Maybe these people do
not have people who take them seriously or listen to them. Second, this verse tells us to do
whatever is right. Someone that can speak up for others means that you must be willing to
become the voice of those who do not have a voice. Speaking up means you have the power to
change things, and one must use that power wisely.
As attorneys, we are advocates for people. Attorneys represent their clients’ rights. This
means that they speak for someone other than themselves. In a world full of injustice, it is
essential that we, as attorneys, become a voice for the voiceless and do what is right.