Please note: Legal advice will not be given on this forum. Please contact a lawyer or your nearest Legal Aid office for advice.

Law students will have the opportunity to hone their skills while providing poor communities with access free legal services, with the launch of a new programme by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.

The programme will create a skills base for qualified and experienced attorneys while at the same time ensuring people receive free access to legal advice and services.

The Candidate Attorney Programme will officially be unveiled by Justice and Constitutional Development Minister, Brigitte Mabandla in partnership with the Association of University Legal Aid Institutions (AULAI) in Pretoria on Tuesday.

Departmental spokesperson Phumla Sekhonyane described the programme as a living expression of the department's drive to ensure access to justice for all.

She told BuaNews that the groundbreaking Candidate Attorney Programme was located at most of the major universities in the country.

Students will be required to complete the programme as a practical component in their studies to become qualified attorneys.

"This programme provides LLB graduates with an opportunity to serve their articles through University Law Clinics (ULCs) as well as giving legal services to disadvantaged communities," she said.

ULCs will provide access to justice to poorest and marginalised communities in South Africa, using the same structures and methodologies present at the clinics.

According to Ms Sekhonyane, the 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 services to the people.

They will identify and appoint law graduates who will be supported by the department.

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 2-year period.

The candidates will further attend part time Practical Law School at the cost of the department and write their board exam.

The launch of the programme follows with the department's Access to Justice Week.

Click here to access the Legal Aid website should you require legal assistance.