LegalWise
Reviews and Complaints

Legalwise can not do any legal work, such as sending Letters of Demand, calls to Plaintiffs, etc. All they do is refer you to Ombudsman of relevant case or send you documents which you have to fill in yourself to the NCC. They do not handle anything themselves and you must do all the work. I could have done this myself from the very start if I thought that anything would come of it. Legal wise takes your money every month, just to tell you that you must do what you were very well aware of from the start. It's all a money making scheme. No lawyers to assist and nothing to be done.

I called in to this number ([protected]) at 18:49 on 29/10/2018 using cellphone number [protected] and I was assisted by a gentleman by the name of Benny Maake.

I went through the verification process where I had to confirm my name and other particulars. The gentleman on the line asked if I am calling on behalf of my husband or the policy holder, assuming that I am not the policy holder. He further asked more questions to verify my details to which he then said the policy is under a ‘MR' and that it needs to be rectified if there is a mistake further assuming I am not male.

I brought this to his attention that I am male and that what he sees on side is accurate information and that I didn't appreciate him assuming that I am female by judging the tone of my voice.

I find this treatment very appalling, distasteful, rude and downright unprofessional.

I felt interrogated because someone was not convinced enough that he is speaking to a male account holder.

I'm highly aggrieved by the incident more especially when I attempted to correct the person. I cannot change how I sound over the phone, and I cannot be illtreated by someone for that. Especially when you are rendering a service, which I am finding to be atrocious to say the least based on the experience.

I ended up not even getting the help I called in for because of the judgemental undertones of the Maake.

I ask that you listen to the record of the call and provide feedback. I am highly upset by this level of unprofessionalism. I also consider cancelling my membership based on this encounter because I can only imagine what else can possibly go wrong when I have to deal with the members of your staff.

Membership no.: 1301286
Claim no.: PLC793614
Reference no.: wf_[protected]

It was on 08/06/2018 when you sent me a repudiation letter for my case.
I objected on 18/06/2018, which according to the letter you sent me, you were supposed to re-assess and give me feed back latest 30/06/2018. However, it's not end September 2018, but never received no feedback from you - nothing.

My case was:
I bought the car from Levi Auto in Pretoria 30/06/2017. The dealer did not declare any issues with the car, but only declared they did roadworthy test - which I was ok with it.

However, the car gave me issues within one week of purchasing, and the dealer did not want to take responsibilities. You sent me from pillar to post even to Marais Parson Attorneys requesting copy of the contract together with a full report from RMI dealer costed me R2200 - which I provided all these. You and Marais Parson kept saying you are awaiting for court date and this took more than 6 months.

REPUDIATION:
After so many months of waiting for court date, you conveniently repudiated my claim with a twist, immediately after I complained of not getting feedback from you, with you saying:

1) I do not have a case (despite you having said the dealer has admitted they did me wrong by not disclosing the car was involved in an accident)
2) The dealer fixed the car but issues kept coming - which is a bloody lie because the dealer did want to take any responsibility and I took the car myself for repairs - hence contacted you for help.
3) The Dealer did well by giving me a car that was involved in an accident because I have signed the contract. You say this despite the dealer only disclosed the car was never involved in an accident and roadworthy was done - which was in contravening the findings by the RMI dealer.
4) It is ok for the dealer to enter into an unfair dealing with citizen by doing false declaration of the condition of the car and so the citizen (defendant) must fend for himself.

Now, 3 months down the line, you still have not given me any feedback of my objection and valid reason why you repudiated my case unfairly - but opted to ignore my last correspondence with you.

Lack of feedback and Bad Customer Service

In April 2018 I visited the Legalwise branch in Florida, to discuss a legal matter with Belinda Mohale.
I was told that action will be taken and my matter resolved accordingly.She since went on leave with no proper hand over.After numerous calls to legalwise with none of them returned, I was told on Friday the 07th September 2018 that my matter was with a different consultant.No resolution could be provided to me, instead it was a matter of passing the bugg.

Legalwise should have trained professional consultants in dealing with their clients

Having been a loyal member of Legal wise for over 5 years, I thought I was legally covered. Legal wise do not supply feedback but I have a case with them from 1 December 2017, at Queenstown branch, up until now my case is not yet resolved up to date. Naledi Tshotsho was the person on my case.

I emailed her several times, no response. What is the use of paying legal protection if you cannot get help? For that matter this was a manor case but legal wise cannot resolve the case. Our community leaders could have solved the problem without any paying of the fees.

I have told the lady that I am not available during office hours, I am presently in Cape Town for my studies but she doesn't reply to m emails. My case no. CVL00025370. I would like this problem to be solved as soon as possible.

This matter goes back to 2013 May 08 not resolved even today.

I must say this is worst poor and despicable service I have ever received, I have been very very patient hoping that one day this matter will be resolved and laid to rest.
I have tried more than several times to assists with providing necessary information with whereabouts and working information details of this guy, what's makes me more angry
after the accident this guy fixed his car and never bothered to talk to me or make arrangements I see him almost every weekend driving his car with his head high especially when he sees me
and I had to tale a loan to fix my car because he told people that I know that his not gonna pay or fix my car… then why I should be a proud member of legalwise cardholder?

May someone please explain why am I still paying for this service and why the attorneys are getting paid if they can't resolve this matter I have been given many excuses that I can no longer
take, I have been sending emails every after 3 months to check the developments of this case and it came a time that I will send them every week because I was not getting any joy and no one bothered
to give me updates, I mean really it takes this long to resolve a straight forward matter like this one (5 years) without any progress whatsoever.

I contacted legalwise in east London several times but the problem dont stop. If they dont stop why Legalwise dont take this union called popcru to court or you work together with cosatu unions? I also want all my money they deducted after i cancelled their membership. I hope by writing to you is the best option because i think of cancel legalwise but depends on this. Im Kali Thembelani [protected]

Good day, I called your Legalwise office on Sunday 04/03/2018 as I have a legal matter which requires urgent attention. The gentleman I spoke with advised me that he would open a file and send it through to the Centurion Branch and that a consultant would call me. To date, no-one has called me and when I eventually got through to your Centurion Branch late this afternoon, I was put through to the receptionist to make an appointment. The earliest appointment that I could get was on 19/03/2018 however, my matter is extremely urgent and I needed feedback before Friday 09/03/2018.

If Legalwise are unable to assist me, then I have to ask, what am I paying premiums for. At this stage in time, I am on the brink of cancelling my Legalwise membership and going to another company who can at least give me a decent service

My matter was reported to you on the 16 January and spoke to Natasha and was referred to Nkosi Tshabalala attornies. To my surprise they did not receive legal claim forms and referral letter.
I personally had to investigate and found that from the emails sent his was spelled as [protected]@nkositshabalala.co.za..
Correct one [protected]@inkositshabalainc.co.za
After all that I had to foward the ones sent to him
The lawyer did not pitch 3 times in the row. When inquire they still awaiting " confirmation letter from Legal wise
I then called back and was told by Natasha to call legal claims department. I then spome to Mishkaa and Warrent and thanks fo that they managed to assist me with regarding to confirmation letter because after phoning them on Monday I got the letter

My concern is why do we have to do all the jobs while paying for service not rendered?

Since the 16th January till today my husband is still in jail because of lack of communication

December 6, 2017: I sought help from LEGAL Wise RANDBURG branch, concerning my inability to take occupation of a house I bought from an agent who bought it at an auction in 2016. The former owner is chaĺlenging the bank for repossessing her house illegally. Numerous postponement have left the matter hanging for about 20 months now.
Having seen the LEGAL Wise agent(Danny Paulsen) at the Randburg branch, he guaranteed to advice me on way forward towards end of the next week. It didn't happen.
January 16, 2018: I went back to enquire. I was told I can only see him by appointment. The receptionist took my contact details and promised to give him a message. About 2 days later he called: nothing had been done, he said he had been on leave since December. He promised to enquire from their Research department what can be done. Said he would contact me following day. As I write today (11 Feb 2018), I'm still waiting for him to come back to me. Each time I call, they say they'll give him a message so he can contact me.
Meantime, I continue to pay bond for the property and pay LEGAL Wise for my policy.

Am so disappointed with LEGAL Wise, I consider cancelling my policy this month. It's useless.

Hi I took out legalwise hoping to make my life easier for legal matters. I bought a plot in 2016 at a value of R60 000 but paid only R50 000 with a balance of R10 000 during the purchase I decided to cancel the purchase nd requested a refund however it was a huge struggle to get my money back and decided to write to you in February 2017. You wont believe if I tell you I had to fight and made my own means fighting to get my money back. Only end of May I received a response from you guys and at that point I was very pissed. It took you guys 3 months to get back to me after I have managed to resolve the matter myself. My matter was allocated to Babalwa Ntozini in Bellville Cape Town, I told her to escalate to her manager because I want my money back for all subscription taken from my bank because you failed me. I specifically asked her to cancel my legal cover in May last year but im not surprised you did not and you still taking my money after numerous requests to cancel. No manager contacted me, no refund, no cancellation was done and you still taking my money. I want you guys to cancel it refund all my money.
My email bulelani.[protected]@webmail.co.za Bulelani Skulu

Dear Legalwise

I have not got any correspondence with regards to my complain.
I have been a loyal client to your company for past several years. Now i am assistance but you are now where to be found.
I think i should terminate my monthly contribution with and look for the help out there.

I am a reachable on this addresses, [protected]@health.gov.za or frank.[protected]@gmail.com
Only if you are interested in helping me.

Regards;

Frank Makgata

>>> Frank Makgata 2017/10/23 09:18 AM >>>

Dear Legalwise

I went to Sekhukhune Small Claim court on 20 October 2017, as stated on the summon.
When i got there i found that the sheriff did not delivered or served the defended with the summon.
When i ask why, they said they were busy serving the summons from magistrate court and those which brought by the lawyers. They said i must just go to Small claim court and amend the date. They said the personal summons are not treated as an urgent. The company is working every day and they are making more money every day. The sheriff told me that even they can be order to deliver they will do so in their sper time. even if they can be ordered to attached the property, those people do not own property. they only rent an office space in order for them to work.
They said i am just forget about this as they are busy with the requests from Magistrate court and the requests brought by the lawyers. I asked them to gave me whatever they were saying in writing but they refused.

Instead, they gave me the number for Acting Deputy Sheriff and the Manager if i want an affidavit.
These are their numbers; Acting Deputy Sheriff, Mr P Phiri, [protected] and the Manager, Ms Nthabiseng, [protected]

I have already spent more money on traveling than what i am claiming for.
I took a leave without pay to attend the court, this implies that two days i took as leave without pay will affect my pension fund and service bonus. I can not afford to loose another days like that.

Since you do not represent in small claim court, this implies that you do not have power to act as the lawyers.

I am left with no option but to have talks with other relevant bodies to assist me in this regards; they have the power to act, they care about their clients, they represent in every courts.
I will speak to Scorpion Legal Protection, Clientile Lawyers and Speak out.
I will explain to them each and every steps i took. Do not be surprise if you heard and see me on SABC Channel 2 when i mention your name. i will not take your calls as i will be busy talking to these companies.

I hope you will understand by anger and frustration.

Regards;

Frank Makgata

>>> Frank Makgata 2017/10/02 12:41 PM >>>

Dear Legalwise

The email dated 26/09/2017 has the reference;

It has been a while sending the below email and attachment no one seemed to attending it.
No call or any written document(s) has been correspondent to me.
I think i should take my service to any other legal expert to assist me.
Because our legalwise as our representative is not here by the of need.

I am left with no option but to approach Scorpion Legal Protection, perhaps they will assist me.
I will also have to stop contributing monthly as i do not see a point of paying it monthly, while when i need them i can not find them.

My court case is just around the corner and i have to see how i approach any other legal team.

Hope you will find this in order;

Regards;

Frank Makgata

>>> Frank Makgata 2017/09/26 09:34 AM >>>

Dear Legalwise

I have a court case on the 20/10/2017 at Sekhukhune Magistrate Court.
I have opened the case of fraud against Bopedi Tombstone (Case No: 64/2/2017)
And i also went to magistrate court to open a case (Sekhukhune Small Claim Court, Case No: 179/2017)

On the 13 of June 2017, the Sheriff (Mr M P Phiri) went to deliver the letter of demand to Bopedi Tombstone.
The manager signed for it but failed to deliver within 14 days as stated on the letter. The 14 days ended on the 15 of July 2017.

They (Bopedi Tombstone) called me on the 23 of June 2017 saying they will deliver on the 02 of July 2017.
I had to take a leave to go home so that i can be able to receive my goods, but they have never came or deliver as promised. I also took a leave on the 14 of July 2017 thinking that they will meet the deadline of the 15 of July 2017.
They have not pitch up until today. I went then went to the Sheriff to collect a letter and submitted to the Small Claim Court on the 22 of September 2017. The small claim court gave me a date of 20 October 2017 at 08h00.

Please see the attached documentations from the court.

Regards;

Frank Makgata
[protected]
[protected]

Loged two complain and everytime they said they dont handle that kind of complains. Being with them for years. Very diaappointed and would never recommend someone to them.
On the website is say that they handle divorces, but they said they could noy help me. Last week i went there regaurding a protection order and they turned me away again. I was so upset.
How can they let a person pay and you dont know for what you pay.
There is like no help being with them and like i said been with them for years.

I had left I don't know how many message for a attorney I was referred to by a consultant from Legal Wise Florida Gauteng. I am so disgusted by the way we are being treated as clients.

Mr THINA MAKHANI
LEGAL COUNSELOR
LegalWise Florida
__________________________________________________
Tel: +[protected] Fax: +[protected]
e-mail: [protected]@legalwise.co.za
Legalwise Building, Cnr Goldman Street and 2nd Avenue,
Florida 1709

We have referred your matter to the attorneys same day after you have sent us the signed form and they were supposed to have contacted you within 48 hours after our referral. The name of the attorneys is Radzilani Attorneys and can be contacted at [protected] for consultation.
Our apologies for the delay on this matter.

This was the response I got .

Should this complaint reach the correct person and any interested person that is interested kindly call me [protected] or [protected]

Good day

I'm a member of LegalWise and really thougth services will be much faster.

It's a week and I still dont have answers. My court case is 2nd October.

This is the first time im using LegalWise. I went Tuesday morning to LegalWise Witbank branch they only making a copy of my summons I did not see or talk to anyone.

After how many calls finally on Thursday 11:56 I received a letter. I contact the Attorneys that LegalWise recommented to me. I called them 2 times on Thursday. They say they will contact me back as I told the lady this is a urgent matter cause I need to speak to a lawyer before my court case.
She say she will make a note of the date of the court case. But still dont hear anything yet.

My court case is Monday 2nd October less than a week.

Is someone gonna help me or must I cancel my membership and go to someone who is willing to help me. And quicker services.

Thanks
Charlotte Oberholzer (1361425)
Tel: [protected]

I have lodged numerous cases with LegalWise and no one has attended to even one case. Every time I go to the legalwise department at Tygervalley I'm told the systems are down or I'm made to wait for an advisor only to be told that the advisor is currently busy and cannot attend any appointments and she will give me a call back which they never called me back then the next day they sent an sms saying they've been trying to get a hold of me but I never received one call from them. I sent numerous emails to my legal advisor there has been no response and no action taken towards my case I've been sitting without a car for weeks because of a third party claim and all they need to do is a demand letter so this can be sorted out but they struggling with even drafting one up. What's the point of paying for a poor service, I'm definitely terminating my agreement as I feel this is a waste of time and money.

This afternoon I had a 14h30 appointment with polo, a very rude & disrespectful lady. Firstly she doesn't listen but is quick to jump to conclusions without full information. Secondly, she takes personal calls while consulting. Thirdly, she calls the receptionist & makes unnecessary non work related work "i'm still not done with my assignment & must submit today"
- before anything else I asked advise because I had two cases & I needed advise as to which one of the two can we handle first. She made me explain myself & both cases then her response that we can start with any case I feel is more important. Really? If they were not equally important I wouldn't have asked for advise. I'm not here to give advise i'm here to assist on legal matters - polo said. How pathetic! After explaining this one case that she refused to assist me on, I asked that we then deal with the other one but she rudely referred me to reception to go book an appointment for another day for that. When I asked but I explained myself from the beginning, now that I don't have the information you want with the left 20 mins can we deal with the other case. She pointed me a note on the wall that said one matter at a time. Fair enough it's procedural I guess. But what about my unresolved case? Why should I walk out of your offices without getting any help at all when I had only utilised 10 mins of my 30 mins appointment? How is even that procedural when no case at all was opened, I mean it's not like I onboarded her with all my problems but asked for one to be dealt with at a time. Furthermore she made another client of hers who to wait for her over an hour. Legal wise is useless & doesn't even give feedback on any of your cases. My case opened earlier this year wasn't resolved and nobody cares to give feedback unless I call them. Do not join this useless company, look elsewhere for legal assistance!

Legalwise is the most incompetent and unprofessional service company I regret ever having to deal with. Now I understand why most people lose their cases especially when represented by legalwise. If you want to get utterly frustrated, deal with the Centurion Branch, Khanyisile Gamede and her Supervisor/Manager. Never seen such incompetence! I am waiting for more than two weeks for Khanyisile Gamede to get her Manager to sign a document for attorney referral. The document has been siting on the manager's desk for more than two weeks now and there is just no sense of urgency. No wonder matters prescribe and get thrown out of court because of the incompetence of such companies like Legalwise

The beginning of June, I requested legal assistance with legal wise Port Elizabeth. My matter is one where, I have a tenant in my primary property and they have now defaulted. I have two issues, one of which is for the rental for two months June 2017/July 2017 which is recent and the other a municipal account which have not been paid from August 2016, up until to date which I raised with legalwise PE now. On there initial consultation, I was advised that letters of demand will be done which was done, followed by the eviction process which will be followed which they will do. They now conveniently declining to do and cant give me I valid reason or explanation why. They give me a response around, paying of my policy and claiming which has nothing to do with my matter because I have been paying my policy. I was appointed a legal representative named Ayanda, that seem not to be interested and only emailed me when it suited him and he told me he had lots of cases, so he will pull my file and call me. I am yet, to speak to this person. I told him I wanted to speak to his senior, he than referred my matter to his senior, Arnel who was even less interested in the case and not helpful at all and really just tried to get ride of me by throwing policies at me, and that I am not covered which they not willing to put in writing. She than referred it to Branch Manager, which was even worse. The branch Manager, Lee-Anne did not even allow me the opportunity to tell her about the poor service I have received from her staff on the way my matter was dealt with she also just give me her own opinion and told me to go see a private attorney to resolve my matter to brush me off and that on the bases that my primary property is seen as a business that I am not covered according to my policy, which I am still waiting for them to show me. Why would you advise me of something and start working on a case that halfway through advise a client that you cant continue because they not covered because of their policy and where is this in the policy?. The fact that I told her that this is certainly the worst service, I have received from her and her branch as specially from Ayanda and Arnel meant nothing its been a disgusting and appalling service this has been handled very poor from the onset. I have also requested they provide me with the full details of there Regional Manager, there Complaints department and the Ombudsman so I can log a formal compliant with no response.

Hi

Beginning of March I requested legal assistance with a case from legal wise, I was appointed a legal representative that seem not to be interested on my case, I have left her count less messages for her to call me so we can discuss the case, it would also seem like she does not even know what the case is about. She does not even follow up, I have complained about her services even spoke to her boss who advised me on how the case she be handled. He promised that he would talk to her and advise her on how to handle the case and that was the last I heard from Legal wise. It is very frustrating considering that I launched this case beginning of March we are now approaching mid June and nothing solid has been done on the case. I have called legal wise a number of times requesting they give me another legal representative as clearly the current one is not interested but did not win on my request they keep telling me that they will log a formal complaint but I still have not received any assistance.