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AttorneyOS Directory

Administrative Law attorneys in South Africa

Find an administrative law attorney in South Africa: reviewing government and municipal decisions, tenders and licences under PAJA, and access to information.

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P

poovi moodley

P Moodley Attorneys Inc.

Ballito, Ballitoville, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa Experience not supplied

P Moodley Attorneys Inc is a law firm specializing in Environmental law.

Administrative LawConstitutional LawDebt Collection AttorneyOS reviewed
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M

Mukwani Attorneys

Mukwani Attorneys

Rosebank, Johannesburg, Gauteng Experience not supplied

Mukwani Attorneys is a Johannesburg-based law firm committed to providing professional, personalised and effective legal solutions. We assist individuals and businesses across a range of legal matters, including family law, divorce, criminal law, litigation, commercial law, labour law, property law and estates. Our approach is built on honesty, integrity, quality and excellence, with a focus on understanding each client's unique needs and providing practical legal guidance.

Administrative LawCommercial LawConstitutional Law AttorneyOS reviewed
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Plain-language guide

What a administrative law attorney does.

An administrative law attorney challenges or defends decisions taken by the state: a department, a municipality, a licensing board, a tender committee or a regulator. The Promotion of Administrative Justice Act gives every person the right to lawful, reasonable and procedurally fair administrative action, and the right to written reasons for a decision that affects them.

When you need one

  • A tender you bid for was awarded to someone else and you suspect the process was unfair.
  • A licence, permit, grant or registration was refused, revoked or simply never decided.
  • A municipality or department took a decision that affects your property, business or benefits without hearing you.
  • You need records from a public body and a request under the Promotion of Access to Information Act was refused or ignored.

How fees usually work

Most administrative work is billed by the hour, with a written estimate before work starts as the Legal Practice Act requires. Urgent applications cost more because they are prepared in days. Ask about the risk of a costs order if the review fails.

Questions to ask before you instruct

  • Have you asked for written reasons for the decision, and what did they say?
  • Is there an internal appeal I must exhaust first, and what is its deadline?
  • How long do I have to bring a review application?
  • What is your estimate for the review, and what would an urgent application add?

General information about South African law and practice, not advice on your matter. The practitioners listed on this page give that advice.

Administrative law attorney questions

How long do I have to review a government decision?

The Promotion of Administrative Justice Act requires a review to be brought without unreasonable delay and not later than 180 days after internal remedies are exhausted or the person became aware of the decision and the reasons. A court can extend the period, but only if the interests of justice require it, so act early.

Can I demand reasons for a decision?

Yes. Section 5 of the Act allows anyone whose rights were materially and adversely affected to request written reasons within 90 days of becoming aware of the decision. The administrator must then give adequate reasons within 90 days.

Do I need an attorney to complain about a municipality?

Not to lodge a complaint or an internal appeal. A review application in the High Court is a formal proceeding with strict rules and time limits, and there an attorney, often briefing an advocate, is the norm.

For the practitioners listed here

Software built for litigation firms.

Court days per Uniform Rule 1, a prescription register, court-day checklists and the weekly court roll.