The Free Legal Aid Office

Every Tuesday afternoon, a small office near the city library opens its doors to people who cannot pay for a lawyer.

The office is run by two retired lawyers, Mrs.

Chen and Mr.

Patel, who believe that justice should not depend on money.

Anyone can come in and ask for help with a legal problem.

Most visitors are workers with unpaid wages or tenants facing unfair eviction.

Last month, a young woman named Lily came in because her employer refused to pay her for three months of work.

Mrs.

Chen listened carefully and helped her collect the necessary documents.

Then she wrote a formal letter to the employer, explaining the legal rules clearly.

Within two weeks, Lily received all her money without going to court.

Mr.

Patel says that many problems can be solved when people understand their rights.

The office also gives free classes on basic law every Saturday morning.

These classes teach people how to read a contract and what to do if they are treated unfairly.

The two lawyers do not earn any money from this work, but they say it is the most meaningful thing they have ever done.