The legal services unit is a fairly new section that has been established in 2006. Currently it comprises of one person who is termed the Manager Legal Support Services. This section is part of the corporate services department and its manager reports directly the Executive Manager Corporate Services.

Umzinyathi District Municipality as a government entity has to uphold the rule of law. One of cornerstones of the Legal Services Charter adopted in December 2007 is access to justice. In ensuring the rule of law is upheld and communities have access to justice within the District Municipality the municipality has to begin by putting its house in order. In achieving this the municipality ensures that what ever action it takes it is legally compliant. Access to justice to the community is achieved by the municipality implementing legislation such as the Promotion of Access to Information Act, Employment Equity Act, Skill Development Act, etc. In essence the Legal Services Unit serves as a watch dog in that it ensures that the municipality implements the abovementioned legislation.

The Legal Services Unit does not work in isolation. Aside from working together with the District Municipality employees it works with departments such as the Department of Local Government and Traditional Affairs and in doing so it is kept abreast with new legislation. In working with other municipalities it ensures that whatever innovative systems are introduced the District Municipality partakes in them provided they benefit the District Municipality and its people.

The Legal Services Unit scrutinises the agreements entered into by the District Municipality with external service providers. It formulates legal opinions as and when required by council and its management team. The unit assist with Human Resources, Supply Chain Management, Technical Services and various other sectors of the District Municipality as and when required.