Pro Bono Practices and Opportunities in South Africa

Published on 15 May 2019 This is an overview of pro bono practices and opportunities in South Africa, including key practice rules, culture, obstacles to undertaking pro bono and sources of pro bono opportunities.

Prior to 2003, no formal initiative in respect of pro bono practice has been developed in South Africa and only legal practitioners carried out pro bono work on an informal basis.

After 2003, promoted by the recognition that the government’s legal aid system was not adequate to address the South African public’s legal needs— particularly those of the poorest members of South African society, the Cape Law Society instituted a mandatory pro bono rule for its members. Since then, each of the regional law societies in South Africa has required their members to perform mandatory pro bono legal services. In addition, some of the country’s large commercial law firms have adopted innovative policies towards pro bono; however the strategic approach and emphasis among law firms varies.

In addition to these opportunities, legal professionals in South Africa may also provide pro bono legal services through legal NGOs. South Africa has a vibrant legal NGO community which is an important aspect of the access to justice landscape in the country. Lawyers seeking opportunities for pro bono legal service may also contact the state’s legal aid provider - Legal Aid South Africa (“LASA”) which also coordinates and provides pro bono opportunities in South Africa.

In addition, at the University of Cape Town, and at an increasing number of other law schools across the South Africa, it is a compulsory graduation requirement for law students to complete a total of 60 hours of community service.