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Justice partners with universities to create skills and promote access
22 August 2008
An exciting programme will be rolled out in the justice sector, and is set to create a skills base of qualified and experienced attorneys, while ensuring that poor communities will have access to free legal services.
The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development (DOJ and CD), Mrs Brigitte Mabandla in partnership with the Association of University Legal Aid Institutions (AULAI) will launch the candidate attorney programme at the Sheraton Hotel, Pretoria, on 26 August 2008 at 18h00.
As the department celebrates access to justice week with a host of events around the country, it is with great pride that the launch of the candidate attorney programme is announced. The project is a living expression of the department's drive to increase access to justice for all.
The groundbreaking candidate attorney programme is located at most of the major universities in the country. It provides LLB graduates an opportunity to serve their articles through University Law Clinics (ULCs) and give legal services to disadvantaged communities. This will benefit communities by giving them access to justice, and develop the students as this practical component is required for them to become qualified attorneys.
This project is a derivative of the National Youth Strengthening Programme (NYSP) through which the department aims to support nation building, through involving young people in the delivery of crucial government services.
ULCs will provide access to justice to poor and marginalised communities in South Africa, using the same structures and method in the clinics at present. They will identify and appoint law graduates who will be supported by the DOJ and CD.
The department will pay the graduates a monthly stipend for 24 months, their practical law school fees, registration of articles and board examination fees, to qualify as attorneys after the two year period. The candidates will attend part time practical law school at the cost of the DOJ and CD and write their board exam. Through this programme, the department will build a pool of skilled and experienced attorneys, which can be recruited.
Media is invited to attend the launch. Journalists who wish to attend should confirm attendance with Susan Mphuthi on 012 357 8706 or 082 464 9661 or smphuthi@justice.gov.za on or before Monday, 25 August 2008 at 12h00.
Enquiries:
Phumla Sekhonyane
Cell: 079 528 4661
Tel: 012 357 8234
Issued by: Department of Justice and Constitutional Development
22 August 2008