I want a pro bono lawyer
If your financial resources are limited, you may be eligible for a (partially) free lawyer.
The Legal Aid Office or BJB is ready to help you with your application.
Your right to assistance from a pro bono lawyer depends on your means of existence and if you have any extraordinary debts.
You will have to prove your income, means of existence and expenses through documents. You submit these to the Legal Aid Office (Bureau Juridische Bijstand or BJB) so that they can determine whether or not you are eligible for a (partially) free solicitor.
Minors always and automatically have the right to free assistance of a lawyer.
There are several ways to request a pro bono lawyer.
- Make an online or telephone appointment to speak to a BJB staff member
You can first make an appointment online or by phone at one of our three branches to discuss your application. We can be reached by phone on weekdays from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at 03 260 72 80.
Before coming to your appointment, be sure your application form is filled out correctly and you bring it along with the other requested documents. Your documents should not be older than two months.
Our colleague will then verify that you meet the requirements and may or may not assign you a pro bono lawyer. An appointment takes
- Applying by e-mail
You can also email your application to bjb@balieantwerpen.be. Attach your completed application form and all requested documents. Our colleagues will then let you know by email if your application has been approved.
At the bottom of this page, we are happy to explain step-by-step how to check your eligibility and submit your application.
If you are qualified for full free legal assistance, you will not pay any fee to assigned lawyer.
If you are qualified for partial free legal assistance, you will pay an amount between €25 en €125 per case. This will be calculated by the BJB according to legal scales.
If the actions of your lawyer have put you in a better financial position, the lawyer can charge you an extra fee under certain conditions and only after approval by the pro bono agency.
Follow this step-by-step plan to submit your application
Find out if you are eligible
Review the documents and check whether you are eligible based on your income or your situation (living wage, social housing, etc.).
Complete the application form
Print out the form, fill in, sign and bring it with you to the appointment or send it by e-mail.
Collect all requested documents
With each application you have to submit a number of documents
Make an appointment with an BJB colleague
Book your appointment online yourself, or contact us on any working day between 9am and 12pm and between 1:30pm and 3:30pm at 03 260 72 80. You can also email all requested documents to bjb@balieantwerpen.be
The appointment takes 15 minutes. Together with a BJB employee you will check whether you qualify for a pro bono lawyer. Be sure to bring a translator if you do not speak fluent Dutch, Frech, English or German.