You can access free legal advice and representation from seven primary sources in South Africa: Legal Aid South Africa, university law clinics, the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), Maintenance Court, Small Claims Court, ProBono.org.za, and specialised NGOs**. Each serves different legal needs and income levels. Most require no upfront fees or cost dramatically less than private attorneys.
1. Legal Aid South Africa (LASA)
Legal Aid South Africa provides free legal representation to qualifying low-income individuals (household income ≤R8,000/month). No fee if you meet the means test.
Services:
- Criminal defence and appeals
- Family law (divorce, maintenance, custody)
- Labour disputes (unfair dismissal, wage claims)
- Children's court matters
- Civil rights violations
How to apply: Visit any of 64 Justice Centres across SA (legalaid.org.za/office-locator).
Timeline: 5–14 days for decision.
Cost: Free if approved; partially subsidised options available if you exceed the means test slightly.
2. University Law Clinics
Free legal services staffed by final-year law students under attorney supervision.
Major clinics:
Wits Law Clinic (Johannesburg): Family, labour, eviction, civil disputes. witslawclinic.org.za.
UCT Law Clinic (Cape Town): Children's rights, disability law, constitutional matters.
UP Law Clinic (Pretoria): Criminal, labour, civil litigation.
UKZN Law Clinic (Durban/Pietermaritzburg): Family, labour, land rights.
UWC Community Law Centre (Cape Town): Housing, refugees, asylum, socio-economic rights.
Rhodes Law Clinic (Grahamstown): Rural and township matters.
Cost: Free. No income threshold; serve low-income and vulnerable communities.
Limitation: May only serve within their geographic service area.
3. Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA)
The CCMA resolves labour disputes entirely free and without requiring legal representation (attorneys not allowed at CCMA hearings; you represent yourself or bring a union representative).
Matters covered:
- Unfair dismissal claims
- Wage disputes
- Breach of employment contract
- Discrimination at work
- Retrenchment disputes
Cost: Zero. No filing fees, no arbitration fees, no government levies.
How to apply: File a Referral Form at your nearest CCMA office (ccma.org.za/office-locator).
Timeline: Conciliation (30 days), arbitration hearing (90–180 days).
Advantage: You don't need a lawyer; the Commissioner explains your rights.
4. Maintenance Court (Magistrate's Court)
The Maintenance Court handles child support and spousal maintenance claims for free or at minimal cost. A court clerk assists self-representing parties.
Matters:
- Child support (arrears and future maintenance)
- Spousal maintenance (divorce or separation)
- Dependant maintenance (elderly parents, disabled adult children)
Cost: Application fee R15–R30 (nominal). Legal representation optional; many litigants self-represent.
Clerk assistance: Court staff help you complete summonses and explain procedures.
How to apply: Visit your local Magistrate's Court Maintenance Office with proof of the other party's income and your dependants' needs.
5. Small Claims Court (Magistrate's Court)
Small Claims Court resolves disputes up to R20,000 entirely free of lawyer involvement (attorneys not permitted).
Features:
- No lawyers allowed (you represent yourself or your case is heard on documents)
- Simple procedures
- Informal hearing environment
- Commissioner decides same-day
- Filing fee R60–R150
How to file: At any Magistrate's Court. Complete a simple claim form; no legal jargon required.
Timeline: 30–60 days from filing to hearing.
Advantage: You control your case; no attorney fees.
6. ProBono.org.za
ProBono.org.za matches individuals needing free legal help with volunteer attorneys (regulated, insured).
Services: All practice areas (criminal, civil, family, labour, commercial, immigration).
How to use: Visit probono.org.za, complete case intake form. Lawyer assignment within 2–3 weeks.
Cost: Free.
Contact: 021-481-1737 (Cape Town) or 011-778-2050 (Johannesburg).
7. Specialised NGOs (Non-Governmental Organisations)
Black Sash: Housing rights, eviction defence, socio-economic rights. [email protected].
FAMSA (Family & Marriage Society): Mediation, family disputes. Sliding scale fees; free for very low-income. famsa.org.za.
Lawyers Against Abuse: Domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse. [email protected].
Section27: Health rights, medicine access, public health. section27.org.za.
Equal Education Law Centre: Education rights, learner discipline. Contact: [email protected].
Culpability: Criminal justice, bail, appeals. culpability.org.za.
Refugee & Asylum seekers: Scalabrini Centre, Consortium for Refugees and Migrants in SA (CoRMSA).
Choosing the Right Source
Criminal matters: Legal Aid SA or Pro Bono.
Family law (divorce, custody): Law clinics, Legal Aid SA, FAMSA, Pro Bono.
Labour disputes: CCMA (free, best option), Legal Aid SA.
Maintenance claims: Maintenance Court (court clerk assists), Legal Aid SA.
Small claims (≤R20,000): Small Claims Court (you self-represent, no lawyer allowed).
Violence or abuse: Lawyers Against Abuse, Legal Aid SA, police station victim support units.
Housing/eviction: Black Sash, law clinics, Legal Aid SA.
Health rights: Section27.
Education rights: Equal Education Law Centre.
Housing for migrants/refugees: Scalabrini Centre, CoRMSA.
Common Mistakes
Paying for "free" advice: Scammers pose as legal aid providers and demand upfront fees. Legal Aid SA, law clinics, CCMA, and ProBono.org.za never charge applicants.
Missing deadlines: Apply immediately after receiving a summons or notice. Delays may waive your right to legal aid or result in default judgment.
Not applying to multiple sources: If LASA rejects you for exceeding the means test, apply to Pro Bono or a law clinic. Different organisations have different thresholds.
For more on this topic, see legal aid.
For more on this topic, see pro bono lawyers.
For more on this topic, see what an attorney does.
When to Consult an Attorney
If you need urgent representation (criminal arrest, eviction, protection order), apply to Legal Aid SA or ProBono.org.za immediately. For matters outside their scope or if you prefer choice of counsel, private attorneys offer initial consultations (some free, some charged at R200–R500).
Related Questions
- Who qualifies for legal aid in South Africa
- How to get a pro bono lawyer
- How does small claims court work in South Africa
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Disclaimer: This answer is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Free legal services vary by location and demand. Contact organisations directly to confirm current availability and service scope. About the Author: This answer was prepared by the Justibly Legal Research Team, reviewed for accuracy by practising attorneys admitted to the High Court of South Africa. Verify attorney credentials on the LPC register.
Last updated: April 2026
By the Justibly editorial team
Published
General legal information for South Africa, checked against the Legal Practice Act, the relevant court rules and the Legal Practice Council roll. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice on your situation, consult an admitted attorney.
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