An independent body, Legal Aid South Africa was established by the Legal Aid Act, 1969. During the first 20 years of its existence, Legal Aid South Africa provided legal aid by means of Judicare. In other words, Legal Aid South Africa employed the services of lawyers in private practice to represent those needing legal aid. However, during the 1990s, starting with the Office of the Public Defender, Legal Aid South Africa became involved in a number of pilot projects in which legal aid was provided by salaried legal practitioners employed by either Legal Aid South Africa or one of its cooperation partners.

In 1997, Legal Aid South Africa decided to move towards a system of salaried legal practitioners as the primary means by which legal aid would in future be provided. In the last few years, Legal Aid South Africa has established at least 32 Justice Centres, which provide legal aid throughout the country.

The Justice Centres are usually near courts and each centre serves between 10 and 20 courts. Through its Justice Centres, Legal Aid South Africa provides legal aid to about 250 000 people throughout the country each year.