Your Guide to Legal Advice in Johannesburg: From Sandton Boardrooms to Community Clinics

Johannesburg is a city of contrasts—a place where the skyscrapers of Sandton meet the bustling streets of Soweto, and where the city’s economic engine powers the continent. But whether you are a multinational corporation concluding a billion-rand deal or a resident facing an unfair eviction notice, the need for sound legal advice is universal.

Navigating the legal landscape in Johannesburg can be daunting. The city is home to some of Africa’s most prestigious law firms, but also to a network of dedicated organisations ensuring that access to justice is not reserved for the wealthy. Understanding where to turn for help—and what kind of help you need—is the first and most crucial step in resolving any legal matter.

The Powerhouses: Corporate Legal Giants

For businesses, investors, and high-net-worth individuals, Johannesburg’s legal market is world-class. The city hosts the headquarters of Africa’s leading full-service firms, offering expertise that spans the continent.

Take Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (CDH) , for instance. With a history spanning over 170 years, CDH operates from its Sandton base and is a true African powerhouse. Its team of over 260 lawyers provides comprehensive support in areas from banking and finance to mining and energy, acting for governments, public agencies, and multinational corporations across the continent . If you are looking to do business in Africa, firms like CDH offer the kind of deep market insight that is invaluable.

Similarly, international firms have established a strong presence in Johannesburg. Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP, located in Rosebank, has grown exponentially since 2015 and now advises 11 of the Top 40 JSE-listed companies . Their practice is a who’s who of corporate law, with recognised leaders in competition law, dispute resolution, and projects and infrastructure . These firms are the go-to for complex cross-border M&A, high-stakes litigation, and major energy projects.

For boutique expertise, firms like Werksmans Attorneys house specialists such as Lindani Majalumani, an Associate in their Business Crimes and Investigations practice. Based in Johannesburg, he handles commercial litigation, contractual disputes, and matters relating to corruption and organised crime . Meanwhile, Lanham-Love Galbraith-Van Reenen (LLGV) offers a more personalised, boutique experience from offices in Saxonwold and Lanseria, priding itself on combining legal acumen with business savvy for corporate clients .

These firms represent the pinnacle of private legal practice. Their advice is strategic, specialised, and, consequently, expensive. But for the average Johannesburg resident, the path to legal advice lies elsewhere.

Access for All: ProBono.Org and the Clinic Network

The Constitution of South Africa guarantees the right of access to courts, enshrined in Section 34 of the Bill of Rights . However, having a right and being able to exercise it are two different things. This is where ProBono.Org steps in.

Founded in 2006, ProBono.Org is a non-profit company and the only “clearinghouse” of its kind in South Africa . It acts as a bridge, connecting people who cannot afford legal services with professional attorneys willing to take on their cases for free. Focused on civil law matters—ranging from family law and housing to refugee law and police brutality—ProBono.Org assists up to 6,000 people a year through a small staff of 30 and a vast network of pro bono attorneys .

Their impact is felt most directly through their network of legal clinics and help desks across Johannesburg . These clinics are run by volunteer lawyers and candidate attorneys, offering free, face-to-face advice on specific days. They are a lifeline for the community.

Where to find help in Johannesburg:

• Family Law Clinic: Held at Constitution Hill (1 Kotze Street, Braamfontein) every Wednesday. Here, attorneys assist with maintenance, guardianship, domestic violence, divorce matters, and the rights of same-sex couples .
• Housing Legal Clinic: Also at Constitution Hill, every Friday. This clinic provides advice on evictions, disputes with landlords, spoliation orders, and mediation .
• Masters Legal Clinic: Located at the Johannesburg Masters Office (66 Marshall Street) every Wednesday. This clinic assists with deceased estates valued at R250,000 or less, covering wills, letters of authority, and property transfers from estates .
• Domestic Violence Clinic: Held at the Randburg Magistrate’s Court (18 Shepard Avenue) every Thursday. Attorneys assist with drafting protection orders and guide victims through court procedures .
• Refugee Legal Clinic: At ProBono.Org’s offices on Thursdays, assisting with appeals against refugee status decisions, residency permits, and accessing healthcare and education .

These clinics are staffed by legal professionals who volunteer their time. As one law student noted, ProBono.Org is a place where “the work and the people shine so brightly,” offering both vital experience for young lawyers and life-changing assistance for clients .

Specialised Help: Labour Law and SASLAW Pro Bono

If your legal issue relates to the workplace, a specialised resource exists. The South African Society for Labour Law (SASLAW) established the SASLAW Pro Bono NPC to assist unrepresented and indigent litigants in the Labour Courts .

With a presence in the Johannesburg Labour Court, this project connects individuals with professional and qualified attorneys who volunteer their knowledge of labour law. They help address the court’s backlog by ensuring that even those who cannot afford legal representation can still access justice in disputes over unfair dismissal, workplace discrimination, and other employment matters .

Finding the Right Fit for Your Needs

Johannesburg’s legal landscape is a spectrum. At one end, you have elite firms like CDH and Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, providing sophisticated counsel to corporate giants. At the other, you have the compassionate, community-focused work of ProBono.Org and SASLAW, ensuring that the poorest residents can still assert their rights.

So, how do you choose?

1. Assess Your Resources: If you have the means, hiring a private attorney—whether a large firm or a boutique practice like LLGV—is the most direct route. Shop around, ask about fees, and ensure the lawyer specialises in your type of case.
2. Check Your Eligibility: If you cannot afford a lawyer, organisations like ProBono.Org exist precisely for you. Contact them to see if you qualify for assistance and attend one of their free legal clinics . They operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early.
3. Seek Specialisation: Whether you are a corporate client needing project finance expertise or a worker facing dismissal, look for a lawyer or clinic with specific experience in that area. Lindani Majalumani at Werksmans handles business crimes ; the Housing Clinic at Constitution Hill handles evictions .

Conclusion: Justice is a Journey, Not a Destination

Finding legal advice in Johannesburg is not a single event but a process. It begins with identifying the nature of your problem and honestly assessing your financial situation. From there, you can navigate the city’s rich ecosystem of legal services—from the gleaming offices of Sandton to the community halls of the inner city.

The presence of organisations like ProBono.Org, operating from the historic Women’s Gaol at Constitution Hill, is a powerful reminder that access to justice is a fundamental right, not a luxury. Whether you are protecting a business empire or fighting for your home, the right legal advice is out there. You just need to know where to look.