Who are we

Who are we?




the people behind Aarhus Retshjælp

The purpose of Aarhus Retshjælp is to ensure justice for everyone, regardless of economic status.

Who is Aarhus Retshjælp

Aarhus Retshjælp has provided free legal assistance and has existed as an independent institution since 1935, making it the second oldest legal aid institution in Denmark. At the same time, with more than 3,800 annual inquiries, it is the second largest legal aid in Denmark.


As an independent institution, Aarhus Retshjælp is independent of private and public interests. It receives an annual operational subsidy from the Civil Affairs Agency.


The daily management is overseen by Aarhus Retshjælp's manager and assistant manager, while the Board is responsible for major decisions regarding daily operations.


The legal personal advice is provided by approximately 20 advisors who offer voluntary and unpaid assistance to the users of Aarhus Retshjælp. The advisors work in pairs and are law students in the final stages of their education or newly graduated lawyers. The advice is given under the supervision of the managers or the three professional leaders. The advisors have a regular weekly shift.


Our

Board

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It is crucial for good advice that our assistance is tailored to the client's needs.

Our history

Since 1935

Aarhus Retshjælp has a long history, stretching over more than 80 years, of providing legal assistance to those who need it but do not have the means to pay for professional advice.

In 2010, Aarhus Retshjælp celebrated its 75th anniversary, and a commemorative publication was released, which offers more insight into the history of the legal aid service.

Read the publication here

Aarhus Retshjælp's journey began in 1935, primarily driven by lawyers who wanted to support the local community by offering free legal advice. Over the years, Aarhus Retshjælp has adapted to the changing needs of society and has evolved into an important institution that offers a wide range of legal aid services.


From the beginning, Aarhus Retshjælp has focused on helping individuals with legal issues who otherwise would not have had access to legal assistance. This includes everything from advice on family law issues to assistance with debt and tenancy cases. The ability of the legal aid service to adapt and grow has ensured that it continues to fulfill its purpose of ensuring justice and equal access to legal aid.


Over the years, Aarhus Retshjælp has also contributed to the development of Denmark's future lawyers by offering practical experiences to law students. This has not only contributed to the students' education but has also ensured that the legal aid service has access to volunteers who are essential for providing free advice.

This model has proven to be sustainable and has helped to create a strong community around the legal aid service.


Aarhus Retshjælp has also faced challenges. Nevertheless, the legal aid service has managed to overcome these challenges through support from the local community and volunteer contributions. This support has been crucial in ensuring that Aarhus Retshjælp can continue to offer its services to those who need them the most.



Looking to the future, the need for legal assistance continues to grow as society becomes more complex. Our institution faces new challenges that it must navigate, but its fundamental mission to provide legal aid and promote justice remains unchanged. With a continued focus on adaptation and innovation, Aarhus Retshjælp will undoubtedly continue to play a crucial role in the local community and in the lives it touches.

The annual operating costs of Aarhus Retshjælp is 2 million kr.. The expenses are covered by operational subsidies from Civilstyrelsen.

3.823


Number of inquiries in 2023

2.585


personal inquiries

1.238


 telephone inquiries

We stand with everyone

Our door is open to anyone, regardless of background or needs. We are particularly dedicated to supporting the most resource-poor in society, those who often stand without other options for legal assistance.


Our annual report for 2023

Read here

Our statutes

Read here
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