Thomson Wilks Attorneys Steps Up to Tackle Joburg High Court Backlog with Pro Bono Help

In a bold move to address the distressing backlog of cases at the Johannesburg High Court, Thomson Wilks Attorneys, a reputable law firm in the heart of Johannesburg, has extended an offer to provide pro bono services to expedite the strained judicial process. The firm is contributing up to four of its senior lawyers to serve as acting judges and is encouraging other firms to do the same.

This unprecedented effort comes in response to Business Day's report detailing Deputy Judge President Roland Sutherland's appeal for experienced lawyers to contribute their time for the public good. The situation in Johannesburg is critical, with commercial litigants facing hearing dates a full year away, and those involved in lawsuits against the police or the Road Accident Fund expecting trials as late as 2027 and 2029, respectively. Furthermore, litigants facing opposed divorce cases are unlikely to receive hearing dates before late 2024, and any trial requiring more than five days could be deferred until late 2026.

Stephen Thomson, director at Thomson Wilks, has underlined the pertinence of the crisis, stating, “Justice delayed is justice denied.” He highlighted the conundrum of an under-resourced legal system that has led to the public's diminished faith in legal processes, emphasizing that his firm aims to contribute to a solution rather than merely critiquing system shortfalls.

The initiative presented by Thomson Wilks is not just an act of corporate social responsibility but a call to action aimed at the legal fraternity. It represents a collective effort in which each contribution can substantially reduce the current four-year backlog, producing an outcome that is favourable for, as Thomson put it, "everyone, including lawyers and their clients."

With Johannesburg being the commercial epicenter of South Africa, where many companies' head offices are stationed, the high court here is the busiest in the country. The effects of such a backlog are far-reaching, impacting not only individuals but also the broader economic body.

The act of senior lawyers from Thomson Wilks Attorneys serving as acting judges while offering additional research assistance sets a precedent for legal professionals to step up and address systemic challenges together. Such dedication to the public interest reflects the essence of the legal profession's responsibility to serve justice and uphold the rule of law.

In conclusion, as the Johannesburg High Court faces one of its most significant challenges yet, the intervention by Thomson Wilks Attorneys symbolizes hope and progress. It is not merely a benevolent gesture but a strategic and necessary involvement that other firms are now called upon to replicate, turning the tide of delayed justice towards a future where the law serves the people promptly and effectively.