PAIA Manual

This Manual is published in terms of Section 51 of the Promotion of Access to Information Act 2 of 2000 (“PAIA”) and complies with the duties it places on private bodies. It sets out how a requester may request access to records held by Otrebski Attorneys Inc., and the fees that apply.

This Manual should be read together with our Privacy Policy, which explains how we process personal information under the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (“POPIA”).

1. Information about the private body

Name: Otrebski Attorneys Inc.
Address: 9th Floor, The Spaces, 5th Street, Sandhurst, Sandton, 2196, Johannesburg, Gauteng
Telephone / WhatsApp: 060 500 3098
After-hours bail applications (24/7): 072 779 0866

Information Officer: Nastasja Otrebski (Founder and Director)

2. Purpose of the Manual

To provide a reference guide on the categories of records held by Otrebski Attorneys Inc.; to explain the procedure to be followed when requesting access to those records; to give effect to the constitutional right of access to information; and to set out the grounds on which access may be refused.

3. Records available in terms of other legislation

Records are kept in terms of legislation applicable to law firms, including: the Legal Practice Act 28 of 2014; the Attorneys Act 53 of 1979 (to the extent applicable); POPIA; PAIA; the Companies Act 71 of 2008; the Basic Conditions of Employment Act; the Unemployment Insurance Act; the Skills Development Act; the Income Tax Act; and the Value Added Tax Act, where applicable.

4. Categories of records held

• Client records, matter files, correspondence, and documentation relating to legal services rendered (subject to legal professional privilege and client confidentiality);
• Financial records, accounting, billing, trust account, and tax records;
• Personnel records, employee and candidate-employee records (regulated by labour and privacy law);
• Operational records, internal policies, compliance documentation, and insurance records;
• Website records, information collected through this website as described in our Privacy Policy.

5. How to request access

Requests must be made on the prescribed Form C (regulation 4 of PAIA), addressed to our Information Officer, and submitted at our Sandton address or by telephone at 060 500 3098. The request must provide sufficient detail to identify the record, the requester’s identity and contact details, the form of access required, and the right being exercised or protected.

We will respond within 30 days of receipt as required by PAIA. Access may be refused on the grounds set out in Chapter 4 of PAIA, including the protection of privacy of third parties, legal professional privilege, and confidentiality of client matters, or where a record is not held by the firm.

6. Fees

The applicable fees are prescribed by PAIA and its regulations: a request fee on submission of a request, plus an access fee for the search, reproduction, and preparation of the record. Requesters will be informed of the fees before access is granted. No fee is payable for a personal request (access to your own personal information), other than reproduction costs.

7. Availability of this Manual

This Manual is available on our website and may be updated from time to time. Copies are also available at our Sandton offices for inspection during office hours (Monday to Friday, 08h00–17h00).