Affordable legal guidance. Real access to justice.

Who we are...

We are a South African legal consultancy built on a simple belief: quality legal guidance should not be reserved only for those who can afford a traditional law firm.


Potberg, Jacobs & Associates Advisory Consultancy (PJAC) was founded by Dr Conrad Potberg (legal academic and higher education leader) and Nikita Jacobs (admitted attorney). Together, we combine academic rigour, practical legal experience, and a deep commitment to making justice more accessible – at a fraction of the cost of a conventional law practice.


We are not a law firm. We do not conduct litigation, appear in court, or handle client trust funds. Instead, we focus on the legal services that most individuals, small businesses, and community organisations actually need: clear advice, well‑drafted contracts, compliance support, legal research, and documents that work for you – all in plain language.

Why we started this consultancy

1

For years, we identified the same problem: people and small businesses avoiding legal help because they feared the cost. Hourly rates starting at R3,000 or R5,000 are common at traditional law firms. Even a simple contract review or a basic legal question can become a financial burden.

2

At the same time, we noticed that many legal needs do not require a full‑service law firm. They require expert knowledge, practical guidance, and affordable fees – without the overheads of court‑room facilities, trust accounts, or large support staff.

3

We started PJAC to fill that gap. Our model is lean, transparent, and client‑focused. We offer fixed fees for most work, free initial consultations, and a genuine commitment to access to justice – including pro bono and reduced‑fee assistance where needed.

Meet the team

Nikita Jacobs – Admitted Attorney

Nikita is an admitted attorney with hands‑on experience in both conveyancing and litigation. She completed her LLB at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) and is currently finalising her Master of Laws (LLM) in Mercantile Law, with a specific focus on beneficial ownership and its relationship to FICA compliance – a critical area for businesses navigating South Africa’s anti‑money laundering regulations.

 

Nikita's experience and duties at a firm in the Northern Suburbs included drafting and reviewing property transfer and bond documents, coordinated with the Deeds Office and financial institutions, drafted pleadings and notices, attended court appearances at the Magistrate’s Courts, and managed complex case files. 
 

Why she is here: Nikita knows how law firms operate – and she also knows where their costs can be trimmed. At PJAC, she applies her legal training without the expensive overheads.

Dr Conrad Potberg – Legal Academic

Dr Potberg brings strategic leadership experience in higher education, combined with a doctorate in Education (D Ed) and a PhD in Law (in progress) . He holds an LLB from UNISA and is currently completing his PhD in Law by publication at UWC, focusing on progressive realisation and the right to access higher education in South Africa. 

 

As a Teaching and Learning Specialist at UWC’s Faculty of Law, Conrad leads curriculum reform, quality assurance, and strategic planning. His research includes publications on self‑determination, school effectiveness, and legal education methodologies.
 

Why he is here: Conrad saw too many people give up on their legal rights because they could not afford an attorney. He co‑founded PJAC to prove that expert legal guidance can be both affordable and excellent.

Our Shared Commitment:

  • Affordability is not a compromise (we keep our overheads low)

  • plain language is our commitment  
  • access to justice is a mission