Free legal consultation
A lawyer meets you, listens to your situation and explains your rights and options: family, land and employment disputes, criminal matters…
Because no one should go without a defence for lack of means, the Kinshasa/Matete Bar provides free legal consultations and appoints lawyers for people in need.
“The right of defence is organised and guaranteed. Everyone has the right to defend themselves or to be assisted by counsel of their choice.”
Constitution of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Article 19
The law entrusts the Bar Council with running a free legal consultation office for people in need and setting the conditions under which it operates (Ordinance-Law No. 79-028, Art. 43).
A lawyer appointed to defend an accused person or assist a party may neither refuse nor neglect that duty (Art. 74).
A lawyer meets you, listens to your situation and explains your rights and options: family, land and employment disputes, criminal matters…
If you cannot afford a lawyer, the President of the Bar may appoint one to defend or assist you before the courts of Kinshasa and, where needed, anywhere in the Republic.
Not sure which court or service to turn to? The office directs you to the right contact.
Legal aid is intended for people who do not have the means to pay a lawyer.
[ Admission conditions and required documents, as set by the Bar Council — to be confirmed ]
Free consultations are held at the headquarters of the Kinshasa/Matete Bar.
Yes. Consultations at the free consultation office are intended for people in need and involve no fees.
The Constitution guarantees the right to be assisted by counsel at every stage of criminal proceedings, including the police investigation. Contact the Bar secretariat without delay to request a lawyer's assistance.
Under legal aid, the lawyer is appointed by the President of the Bar. If you can afford a lawyer, you are free to choose any lawyer listed in the Bar directory.
The appointed lawyer is bound to carry out the assignment. In case of failure, send a complaint to the President of the Bar, who may refer it to the Bar Council sitting as a disciplinary board.
The Bar's legal aid covers the lawyer's work. Any court costs (procedural fees, deposits) are governed by the rules of each court.
More than 9,000 lawyers enrolled on the Roll or the pupillage list of the Kinshasa/Matete Bar.