Urban slums in South Africa present a complex social landscape where access to justice is severely constrained by socio-economic disparities and systemic barriers. Utilising qualitative thematic analysis of existing literature and expert interviews to construct a comprehensive theoretical model. This study underscores the urgent requirement for localized and community-focused legal interventions tailored to the unique needs of urban slums. Policy makers should prioritise the development of accessible legal services in urban slums, integrating traditional judicial processes with informal dispute resolution mechanisms.