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 2024 round of applications closed on 6 March 2024. 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 2024 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.
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.