On 11 May 2012 the pro bono rule was published in Government Gazette No. 35313. Broadly the rule provides that all practising members who have practised for less than 40 years and who are less than 60 years old, shall perform pro bono services of not less than 24 hours per calendar year.

Pro bono services shall include, but not be limited to the delivery of advice, opinion or assistance in matters falling within the professional competence of a member, so as to facilitate access to justice for those who cannot afford to pay. The provisions of the KZN Law Society’s pro bono rule is similar to that of the pro bono rules of other provincial law societies, which is important for the development of a common approach and the development of a countrywide pro bono culture.

ProBono.Org is already working closely with the KZN Law Society and the organisations have agreed to a Recognised Structure agreement. As a Recognised Structure, individual attorneys and law firms can receive their pro bono legal work via ProBono.Org, and ProBono.Org will certify the pro bono hours done in fulfilment of the requirements of the rule.

Currently the Durban office of ProBono.Org has various pro bono opportunities to suit different size law firms and a range of legal expertise: matters via the Clearinghouse, Divorce Court Help Desk, Refugee Legal Clinic (Durban), Refugee Legal Clinic (Pietermaritzburg), Micro Trader Legal Support, Consumer Law Clinic, Masters Office Help Desk. Wills Project, and the Labour Law Advice Office.

Source: ProBobo.Org