The RAF employs information officers at all branch offices of the RAF to help people with their claims free of charge. However if you wish to use an attorney they will charge for their services. If the attorney thinks that the claim will succeed, they might ask you for a deposit to cover the first costs. If the claim is successful, you can pay the attorney with some of your claim money. The RAF will also contribute towards the legal costs if your claim is successful. If the attorney thinks that the claim will not succeed, he or she should advise you not to go ahead with the claim. Then you only have to pay for the first consultation with the attorney.

At the first consultation with your attorney you should enquire about the legal costs involved. Don’t wait until the end of the court case or settlement to consult with your attorney about how you are going to pay and how much it will cost you. If you think you cannot afford the legal costs involved, you should approach Legal Aid South Africa to apply for legal aid. Your attorney can help you to apply. (See Applying for legal aid)

You can also apply to the Legal Practice Council for a pro bono (free) attorney. Go to their website: www.lpc.org.za and download a pro bono request form. To qualify for free legal support you will need to comply with a ‘means test’ (a maximum monthly income or no income) and have a legal problem with merit. The Legal Practice Council will refer you to an attorney who will assist you free of charge.