Why free legal aid in Trans-Urals depends on lawyers' enthusiasm

In the Trans-Urals, the Center for Attorney Assistance, which provides free legal consultations, has not received significant financial support from regional authorities for 17 years. This was stated by Alexander Umnov, president of the Kurgan Region Bar Association, at a meeting of the social policy committee of the regional duma.

He recalled that in 2012, a federal law on free legal aid was adopted, and later a regional law was developed.

— A mechanism was adopted whereby the financial component of providing this aid should be a budgetary expenditure obligation. <…> For 17 years, we waited for someone to notice that we are engaged in useful, socially significant activities and provide some assistance. It turned out that we waited in vain, — said Alexander Umnov.

He added that in 2025, 7,000 people received legal assistance at the Center. The Center operates at the expense of the lawyers themselves. Annually, the legal community spends 600,000 rubles (approximately $6,000 at current rates) on its maintenance. Over 17 years of operation, only 700,000 rubles (approx. $7,000) have been received from the government. The last time, the Center applied for a grant of 350,000 rubles (approx. $3,500) but was refused.

— We received a response that the government made changes to the regulations for the grant competition. The Bar Association is included among the entities that cannot participate in this competition. <…> It would be one thing if the budget didn«t have the ability to provide such assistance. But we know that at the same time, assistance of the same amount, 350,000 rubles (approx. $3,500), is provided to an individual entrepreneur whose activity involves providing legal aid, — expressed Alexander Umnov.

He emphasized that lawyers fulfill state guarantees, but the amount of payment today is humiliating — only 300 rubles (approx. $3). This amount has not been indexed since 2012.

— The region could and does take pride in the Center for Attorney Assistance. Various structures report on us: how well everything works, everything is wonderful, there are no refusals, everyone receives help. But where is the support? There is practically no support. This budgetary policy is incomprehensible to the legal community. Although, it can«t really be called a policy, — Alexander Umnov expressed indignation.

The Center in the Kurgan region was one of the first in Russia. Now, similar organizations continue to open in the country on the principles of co-financing. Chairman of the regional duma Dmitry Frolov promised to discuss the issue with Deputy Governor Konstantin Ermakov to allocate the necessary assistance.