Legal Aid South Africa (LASA) offers a unique opportunity for aspiring attorneys through its Future Attorneys Recruitment Programme. As part of LASA’s commitment to ensuring access to justice for all, the programme recruits Candidate Attorneys (CA) annually, providing invaluable legal training while helping uphold the principles of equality, fairness, and human rights in the legal system.
Key Details of the Future Attorneys Recruitment Programme
The Future Attorneys Recruitment Programme is designed to equip LLB graduates with the skills and experience necessary to excel in the legal profession. Here’s a comprehensive look at the process:
Application Process
When do applications open? The Legal Aid SA Future Attorneys Recruitment Programme reopens annually. For example, the 2025 round of applications closed on 6 March 2025. It’s essential to apply within the designated period.
Where to apply? All applications must be submitted online via the Legal Aid SA website. To apply, visit this link.
Who can apply? Only LLB graduates are eligible to apply, and they must submit their academic transcripts along with their applications.
Minimum academic requirement: Applicants are expected to have a minimum degree average of 60% to be considered.
When do successful candidates start? Applications for 2025 are for placement in the same year. Legal Aid SA recruits Candidate Attorneys throughout the year as vacancies arise.
Follow-Up on Applications
Legal Aid SA processes numerous applications each year and follows a stringent selection process. If you have applied and not heard back within three months, you may follow up with the HR representative for your selected province:
- Eastern Cape: Papama Flepu – papamaf [at] legal-aid.co.za
- Free State/North West: Christina Mphahlele – christinam1 [at] legal-aid.co.za
- Gauteng: Kedibone Thinda – kedibonet [at] legal-aid.co.za
- KwaZulu-Natal: Nombuso Mbhele – nombusom1 [at] legal-aid.co.za
- Limpopo/Mpumalanga: Mary Thobejane – maryt [at] legal-aid.co.za
- Northern Cape/Western Cape: Siphokazi Gcilitshana – siphokazig [at] legal-aid.co.za
What You Need to Know as a Candidate Attorney
Legal Aid SA hires approximately 300 Candidate Attorneys annually, providing comprehensive legal training while giving back to the community.
- Practical Legal Training (PLT): You do not need to have completed your PLT before applying. Legal Aid SA allows you to complete it while serving your articles.
- Driver’s Licence: A driver’s licence is not required, and you won’t be penalised for not having one.
- Salary: Most candidate attorneys at Legal Aid SA earn between R6,000 and R12,000 per month.
If you are passionate about law and want to make a
meaningful impact by ensuring access to justice for all, the Legal Aid Candidate Attorney Programme offers the perfect platform. It not only provides hands-on legal experience but also plays a critical role in upholding the rights of those who cannot afford legal representation.
Legal Aid South Africa’s Role in Access to Justice
Through its various initiatives, including the Future Attorneys Recruitment Programme, Legal Aid South Africa (LASA) is committed to ensuring that all citizens have access to legal representation, regardless of their financial standing. By training the next generation of lawyers, Legal Aid South Africa strengthens the legal framework that protects the principles of fairness and human rights.
For more information on Legal Aid South Africa (LASA), its mission, and the critical work it does, visit this link.