Wollega University Law School Free Legal Aid Service
It is a clear fact that Wollega University, since its very inception, has been serving the surrounding community in a various aspect of their life where they seek support. One among the community services the university is giving to the community free legal aid. The legal aid is aimed at giving persons of limited means a free legal service(s) which includes legal advice, client representation in courts and legal empowerment. Its primary objective is to make it impossible for any man, woman or children to be denied equal protection of the law simply because he or she is poor. It works towards ensuring access to justice. Legal aid has, therefore, both remedial and preventive potential.
Wollega University legal Aid center was started in the year 2010 with one centre in Nekmete. In 2011, the university has increased the number of Free Legal Aid Centers to three which are found in Nekemte, Shambu and Gimbi. Currently twenty three (23) centres have been functioning, twenty one (21) centers in East, West and East Wolleaga zones and two centers (2) inWest Shewa-Bako and Sire.
Activities/service
Free legal Aid centers are rendering various types of activities. They are, inter alia, providing legal Advice/counseling, preparing pleading for clients, representing clients in court room, awareness creation and Participating in ADR by representing the interest of our clients.
Donors and Partners working with free legal aid Service
- Oromia Supreme Court (providing Office, before 2011 E.C fund)
- Oromia Justice Bureau (Issued for the center special license for representation)
- EHRs Commission (fund though it lacks continuity, as top up before the Mid of 2012 E.C)
- Kebele administration, women's and children affairs offices
- UNHCR, an international humanitarian agency currently active partner of the Center
- UNODC, UN agency working on Drug and Crime.
Free Legal Aid Centers
Legal Aid centers are established in the three Wollega Zones (East Wollega, West Wollega and Horo Guduru Wollega) and in West Shoa. They are: Nekemte, East Wollega Zonal Prison Center, Sasiga, Haro Limu, Gidda Ayana, Jimma Arjo, Sibu Sire, Anno, Shambu, Harato, Guduru, Gedo, Bako Tibe, Gimbi, Nejo, Horro Guduru Wollega Zonal Prison Center, Guduru, Qilxu Karra and Mendi centers.
Moot Court and Legal Aid Clinics
Our Moot Court Competitions and Legal Aid Clinics provide students with real-world legal experience, helping them develop advocacy, research, and problem-solving skills.
Externship & Career Support
We partner with courts, prosecution office, law firms, government agencies, and NGOs to offer students externship and job placement opportunities.