Paralegal Training Course

The People’s Law Paralegal Training Course equips community leaders and activists with the legal knowledge and practical skills they need to support their communities.

Over five months, participants explore key areas of South African law, learn how to navigate the justice system, and gain the tools to offer informed legal advice.

The course aims to build a network of confident, capable paralegals who promote access to justice from the ground up.

Modules covered include:

  • Law & Power
  • Labour Law
  • Family Law, Wills & Estates
  • Debt
  • Queer Rights
  • Refugee Rights
  • Community & Constitution

Course Details

Applications Close: 31 May 2026
Start Date: 6 July 2026
End Date: 18 November 2026
Duration: 5 months
Schedule: Mondays & Wednesdays, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Bertha House, Mowbray

Participant Requirements

You should meet the following criteria:

  • Be 16 years old or older.
  • Have basic reading and writing skills.
  • Have a commitment to the development of your community and be able to show a history of community involvement.
  • Be able to commit to the full 5-month course.

Application Requirements

Applications will be accepted by individuals, community groups and partner organisations, each with their own requirements:

Partner Organisations

Who is it for:

Applicants nominated by established civil society organisations and existing NGOs.

Information needed:

  • Organisation details and focus area
  • Applicants role and tenure within the organisation
  • A formal endorsement letter, on the organisation's official letterhead, confirming the nomination.

Community Groups

Who is it for:

Applicants applying on behalf of a community group set up to address a specific issue.

Information needed:

  • Applicants personal and contact details
  • Community profile (size, location, ward/sub-council)
  • 60 signatures validating your work
  • A brief report on the community issue, its impact, and steps taken to solve it.

Individuals

Who is it for:

Applicants who are actively organising and advocating in their communities but are not applying on behalf of a formal group or organisation.

Information needed:

  • Applicants personal and contact details
  • Description of your primary activist areas
  • 20 signatures validating your work
  • A brief motivation.
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