Legal Aid SA offers assistance to the accused in criminal cases where a significant injustice would otherwise occur. We are also leaders in providing legal advice and civil representation, particularly in protecting and defending the rights of women, children, the elderly, the landless and communities. The organization funds precedents that promote the rights of communities in impact litigation. If a referral is made to a pro bono attorney, the client is only responsible for the cost of expenses (actual expenses), such as sheriff`s fees, and the attorney does not charge fees for work done and legal services. If you think you are eligible for legal aid or have any questions, please contact us. KooperationsvereinbarungenLegal Aid South Africa hat Kooperationsabkommen mit verschiedenen Universitäten, die Law Clinics haben. Durch die Law Clinics bieten die Universitäten in Zusammenarbeit mit Legal Aid South Africa Rechtshilfe für ihre Gemeinden. Legal Aid Südafrika hat derzeit Kooperationsvereinbarungen mit Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education, University of the Witwatersrand, Rhodes University, University of Limpopo, University of Cape Town, University of the Western Cape, University of Fort Hare, University of Venda, University of Pretoria, University of the Northwest, Walter Sisulu University, University of South Africa, University of Johannesburg, University of the Free State, University of KwaZulu-Natal, University of Stellenbosch, University of Zululand und Nelson Mandela. To be entitled to free legal assistance, a person must be means-tested (maximum monthly income or no income) and have a legal problem with the benefit. You will be referred by the Council of Legal Practice to a lawyer who will assist you free of charge (pro bono).
When you ask us for legal assistance, we ask you to fill out a form so we can understand how much money you earn each month and what things you own, such as a car or a house. This is called a resource test. An official from Legal Aid South Africa is always available to assist you in completing this form. 3. You must inform the local office that refused you legal aid that you wish to appeal against the decision to refuse legal aid. The local office will ensure that your appeal is submitted to the provincial government. If you qualify for legal aid and we have agreed to represent you, you do not have to pay anything. In fact, Legal Aid South Africa`s lawyers cannot ask for or receive money if they help you with your case. In this case, we ask you to report the lawyer to us by calling our ethics hotline on 0800 153 728 or by filing a complaint via our website or visiting us. Legal Aid South Africa`s mission is to provide legal assistance to those who cannot afford legal representation.
This includes the poor and vulnerable groups such as women, children and the rural poor. Although you do not pay legal aid, if you win a civil case, we will deduct the money that the court awards to pay for costs and benefits before paying the money owed to you. Legal aid in South Africa derives its mandate from Article 35 of the Constitution. For the purposes of this article, every person arrested, detained or accused shall have the right to a fair trial, including the right to have a lawyer engaged by and at the expense of the State. Legal Aid South Africa`s mission is to provide legal assistance to those who cannot afford legal representation. This includes the poor and vulnerable groups such as women, children and the rural poor. Legal Aid SA applies a “resource test” to see if you are qualified in terms of what you earn. For example, workers must earn less than R5,500 per month after tax deduction to qualify for legal aid. Further opportunities will be created for advanced levels of legal practice in the organisation`s High Court units and in the role of senior litigator.
In addition, lawyers have the opportunity to keep up with the flow of legal managers by rising through the ranks to become a High Court Unit Director, Office Chief, and even the executive level of the Provincial Executive and National Operations Executive. The organization offers specialized/technical opportunities in the form of legal training, development and research and also plays a special role as the call center manager who leads the legal aid advisory team, which provides legal advice over the phone to those in need. There are special cases that, if brought to court and won, would have a major impact on South African law. These are often groups of people who file a joint lawsuit and therefore require dedicated teams of legal representatives to help them. Legal representatives may come from the local offices of Legal Aid SA or from private lawyers. Legal Aid South Africa tries to help as many people as possible who cannot afford to help them. From time to time, opportunities arise for us to undertake legal work that has the potential to positively change the lives of more people than just the person to whom we provide legal assistance. These matters fall under our strategic litigation program.