A new law centre dedicated to providing legal assistance to people with special needs and mental health conditions has begun operations in Geylang Serai, Singapore. The Inclusive Justice Law Centre’s initial service point opened in July at the MINDS Community Hub, which supports individuals with intellectual disabilities.
The centre is operated by Pro Bono SG, a legal charity focused on expanding access to justice for vulnerable communities. A community lawyer and a programme coordinator based at the hub collaborate with social service professionals to assist clients who may have encountered difficulties due to misunderstandings of their behavior or challenges navigating the legal system.
Pro Bono SG chairman Dinesh Dhillon announced the launch of this touchpoint during the organisation’s annual awards ceremony held on July 21 at the Fullerton Hotel. The Inclusive Justice Law Centre was established in March as part of a wider initiative in Singapore to promote inclusive justice. This initiative includes a task force formed earlier this year to identify gaps in support for individuals with invisible disabilities—such as psychosis, schizophrenia, autism, and intellectual disabilities—who are involved in the criminal justice system either as accused persons or victims.
The centre’s operations are supported by the Rao Family Foundation, which has pledged over S$700,000 to fund the first two years. Individuals seeking legal aid can schedule appointments via Pro Bono SG’s hotline or email. The community lawyer stationed at the centre is available on Wednesdays to meet with clients.
Since its launch, the centre has handled around 10 cases, most of which involve applications for legal deputies. Other cases include personal protection orders and referrals for criminal legal representation. The centre also provides guidance to social workers facing legal questions, such as their obligations to report clients who may be involved in potential offenses.
Pro Bono SG’s chief representative officer, Saddam Raj, described the centre as a resource tailored to meet the specific needs of people with invisible disabilities and their caregivers. Raj emphasized the centre’s commitment to developing expertise and sensitivity in handling such cases, addressing a gap in existing legal services.
Pro Bono SG reported serving more than 16,000 individuals and organisations in the last financial year. Its Migrant Workers’ Law Centre @ MWC, launched in April 2025 in Little India, has provided support to over 800 migrant workers—many of whom face legal challenges due to language and financial barriers.
The organisation has also seen increased engagement from younger legal professionals. Volunteer involvement grew to 468 students last year, and the number of active volunteer lawyers expanded from approximately 660 in 2025 to over 800 in 2026. Pro Bono SG raised nearly S$6 million during the 2025-2026 financial year, with funding coming from donations, government grants, and other sources.
At the awards ceremony, Minister for Law Edwin Tong highlighted ongoing government efforts to improve access to justice through agencies such as the Legal Aid Bureau and Public Defender’s Office. He also noted government support for Pro Bono SG’s Criminal Legal Aid Scheme, which assists individuals unable to afford legal representation in criminal cases. Tong announced that by the end of 2026, the per capita household income threshold for civil legal aid will increase from S$1,050 to S$1,650 to expand eligibility.
He called on the legal profession and the community to continue contributing their expertise and support, stating that the government aims to complement, not replace, the pro bono spirit that underpins these services.