National Attorneys Week 7-11 September 2009

Building on the success of National Wills Week last year, the six constituent members of the Law Society of South Africa (the Cape Law Society, the Law Society of the Free State, the KwaZulu-Natal Law Society, the Law Society of the Northern Provinces, the Black Lawyers Association and the National Association of Democratic Lawyers) are cooperating to present an Attorneys Week on a national basis.

The aim of this campaign is to make attorneys’ services better known to the public, to improve the image of the profession and promote an environment of client care.

The purpose of this initiative is also to assist members of the public who would not normally make use of the services of an attorney, or who may hesitate to consult an attorney for fear of the possible high fees, to approach an attorney for a free consultation. Any legal steps which may emanate from the free consultation are subject to the normal tariff which will be agreed between the attorney and client. Attorneys should ensure that they explain this to the client upfront and that they provide a quote for the follow-up consultation.

The Law Society of South Africa, therefore, kindly request attorney firms to be available to provide free consultations to members of the public during the week of  7 to 11 September 2009. During this period, members of the public will be able to approach participating firms to receive a free consultation on all legal matters, including, but not limited to, the following:

Buying and selling a house
Divorce
Maintenance and custody
Family violence matters
Wills
Administration of estates
Criminal matters
Motor vehicle accidents
Civil matters
Contracts
The National Credit Act, debts and financial matters

Interviews with the clients may be conducted at the office of the participating attorney.

Full media coverage will be given to this campaign on a national basis in the print, broadcast and electronic media on behalf of the attorneys’ profession. Posters and pamphlets will be made available to participating attorneys to display in their areas, and these will be distributed to libraries, municipalities and public hospitals in the areas of participating attorneys. Also, libraries, municipalities and hospitals will be given the list of participating firms in their areas.

Attorneys who are interested in participating are requested to contact their Law Society for more information by not later than 30 June 2009.