Apex Law Group attorney Bruce Swan discovered that an increasing number of people need pro bono legal advice — and he has decided to offer it, with the help of his colleagues.

Along with Apex corporate attorney Chelsea Lim-Stirling and law pupil Mandela Fubler, they will open the doors of the Veritas Place law firm for the new once-a-month Free Consultation Clinic where they can provide advice on everything from employment law to trusts.

Mr Swan, who specialises in litigation and property law, explained he came up with the idea while volunteering at the free legal clinic sponsored by the Bermuda Bar Association, The Centre on Angle Street, which is open each Thursday after 5:30pm on a first come, first served basis and provides legal advice. “More and more people are attending,” he said.

“There are a lot of people who need help. We’re supposed to leave at 7pm, but often we don’t get out until 8.30pm.”

And so Mr Swan came up with the concept of opening the doors of Apex Law Group once a month, after work, to provide pro bono legal advice, and brought in his colleagues to help. When he sought permission from his law firm the partners, he said, were less surprised by Mr Swan’s idea than by Ms Lim-Stirling’s agreement to take part.

Laughing, Ms Lim-Stirling explained that Mr Swan had: “ ... just said we were going to do it! And it is a good idea,” she said.

Many people are intimidated by the idea of going to a law firm to seek advice, the three lawyers agreed. The cost can also be a deterrent.

Providing legal advice after hours and in a less formal environment is less intimidating and makes it easier for people to describe their issue to a lawyer.

Mr Fubler said the three professionals are offering advice in any sphere, including property, debt collection, criminal litigation, civil litigation, employment, landlord and tenant disputes, wills and probate, trusts and family as well as immigration law.

Ms Lim-Stirling said the Free Consultation Clinic “ ... will definitely expand our exposure into different areas and people.”

And Mr Swan said: “ We want to help out the community and show our skills as best we can. It’s why I got into law — to show people how the law can benefit them.

The new clinic will be open every third Tuesday of the month from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, beginning on August 19. Anyone who is interested in attending the clinic can call Apex at 295-1302, or just come.