How to Get Free Legal Advice in South Africa
Due to the continuous crippling economic situation, getting legal aid has become a financial burden for most of South Africa due to the high fees charged by most private lawyers.
Also, as most South Africans lack enough information about the law and their constitutional rights, they become easily swayed by these supposed legal practitioners who are supposed to stand up for them.
It is very important to get legal advice first, before going ahead with any court case whether such legal advice relates to issues bothering Employment Law, Tenancy or Divorce.
Getting legal advice or legal help is quite important but it would also cost you a lot depending on the lawyer you take your case to. That is why this article is important as you’ll gain information on how to get free legal advice in South Africa.
How to Get Free Legal Advice Services in South Africa
From Lawyers
You can get free legal advice in South Africa from private lawyers who practice in the country. However, there are only a few private lawyers who offer such service and these lawyers term such service as “pro bono” work.
The only way to find out if a lawyer offers free legal advice is to ask the lawyer for such service. However, most lawyers will only consider you if only they are convinced you are unable to pay for their legal services.
From Legal Organizations
There are several legal organizations both in South Africa and abroad that offer free legal services to individuals who do not have the funds to get legal assistance. These organizations are reputable and could be the best option if you are unable to get the legal help you need.
These organizations include the BAOBAB for Women’s Human Rights, Human Rights Monitor, Human Rights Law Service (HURILAWS) and the Legal Aid Council of South Africa.
Of all these organizations, only the Legal Aid Council of South Africa is fully operational and offers complete free legal service to South Africans.
Legal Aid Council of South Africa (Lacon)
The Legal Aid Council of South Africa was set up in 1961 when the Chief Justice of South Africa at the time, Sir Adetokunbo Ademola, set out to bridge the gap between less privileged individuals and quality legal services. Due to his quest for quality legal aid for poor South Africans, the South Africa Legal Aid Association was born to provide legal aid to less privileged individuals in the country.
That means you can easily get free legal help from the Legal Aid Council of South Africa if you are less privileged or unable to pay for the services of a legal practitioner.
How to Get Free Legal Aid in South Africa
If you require legal help or assistance of any kind, all you need to do is to simply contact the Legal Aid Council of South Africa through any of their social media handles or contact information. You can also visit any of their branches in South Africa and they will look into your case.
How to Get Free Legal Advice in South Africa:
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Legal Aid South Africa | Provides free legal advice and representation to those who cannot afford it. |
| Law Clinics | Offer free legal advice, information, and assistance to those who meet their eligibility criteria. |
| Pro Bono Legal Services | Lawyers and law firms offer their services for free to those who cannot afford legal representation. |
| Civil Society Organizations | Non-profit organizations that advocate for social justice and provide legal aid and advice to those in need. |
Conclusion:
Getting free legal advice in South Africa is possible through various avenues such as Legal Aid South Africa, law clinics, pro bono legal services, and civil society organizations. These options exist to ensure that individuals who cannot afford legal representation are not left without assistance when they need it most. It’s important to explore these options, especially when facing legal issues, to ensure that you have the best chance of achieving a positive result.
