Legal Practice Act — LPC Training Provider Accreditation: Application for Accreditation to Present LPC Practical Vocational Training (Notice 226 of 2020, GG 43192, 3 April 2020) (source: https://www.justice.gov.za/legislation/notices/2020/20200403-gg43192gen226-LPA.pdf)
STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020 No. 43192 31
Legal Practice Council/ Regspraktyk Raad
LEGAL PRACTICE COUNCIL
NOTICE 226 OF 2020
226 Legal Practice Act 28 of 2014, as amended: Notification for Comment: Application for Accreditation to Present Practical Vocational Training Structured Programmes 43192
NATIONAL OFFICE
Thornhill Office Park
Building 20
94 Bekker Street
Vorna Valley, Midrand
1686
Tel: 010 001 8500
Date: 24 March 2020
THE SOUTH AFRICAN LEGAL PRACTICE COUNCIL
NOTIFICATION FOR COMMENT: APPLICATION FOR ACCREDITATION TO PRESENT
PRACTICAL VOCATIONAL TRAINING STRUCTURED PROGRAMMES
All interested parties are invited to comment on the draft Guidelines for application for accreditation to be
made to the South African Legal Practice Council (“Council”) to present the Practical Vocational Training
(“PVT”) structured programmes for the year 2021 and thereafter.
The draft Guidelines are published herewith for comment.
All interested parties are called upon to submit their comments to Council in writing within a period of 30 days
from the date of publication of this notice.
All comments must be sent by email to
[email protected] on or before 03 May 2020.
SIGNED AT PRETORIA THIS 23rd DAY OF MARCH 2020
Ms Hlaleleni Kathleen Dlepu
Chairperson: Legal Practice Council
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: Msgazette
This Kathleen Matolo-Dlepu
is also (Chairperson)
available free │Adv Anthea Platt SC (Deputy Chairperson)│
online at www.gpwonline.co.za
Adv. Greg Harpur SC │Ms Trudie Nichols │Mr Lutendo Sigogo │Mr Jan Stemmett │Adv. Phillip Zilwa SC
Executive Officer: Ms Charity Nzuza
32 No. 43192 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
PROGRAMME OF STRUCTURED COURSE
WORK
THE NORMS AND STANDARDS
APPROVED BY THE LEGAL PRACTICE
COUNCIL
APPLICATION FOR ACCREDITATION
LEGAL PRACTICE
COUNCIL
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STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020 No. 43192 33
LEGAL PRACTICE COUNCIL
Applications for Accreditation to present the programme of structured course work for Practical
Vocational Training
GENERAL GUIDELINES
The requirements for the transformation and restructuring of the legal profession are set out in
the Legal Practice Act. Central to this is the building of a legal profession that broadly reflects
the diversity and demographics of South Africa, and is accountable, efficient, and independent,
and upholds the rule of law, the administration of justice and the Constitution of the Republic
(section 5 of the Legal Practice Act).
The building of such a system necessitates, among other things, the promotion of high standards
of legal education and training, compulsory post-qualification professional development,
continuing legal education and trial advocacy training not only in public universities, but also in
organisations and institutions accredited by the Legal Practice Council: such courses need to be
accessible and sustainable training courses for law graduates aspiring to be admitted and enrolled
as legal practitioners having due regard to our inherited legacy and the aspirations of the new
constitutional dispensation.
The accreditation of training institutions and organisations applies only to those institutions that
offer training programmes that contribute to the qualification of legal practitioners and candidate
legal practitioners. Accreditation means that an institution is granted the legal authority to offer
duly accredited programmes.
The aim of accrediting these training institutions and individuals is to ensure that-
(a) all accredited institutions offer a high quality of legal education as determined by the
norms and standards applied by the Legal Practice Council;
(b) all accredited institutions provide accessible and sustainable training of law
graduates aspiring to be admitted and enrolled as legal practitioners;
(c) all accredited institutions have the resources, capacity and expertise to deliver
accredited programmes;
(d) all accredited institutions will develop programmes in order to empower historically
disadvantaged legal practitioners, as well as candidate legal practitioners;
(e) all accredited institutions warrant that the candidate legal practitioners trained by
them have attained an adequate level of competence as determined in the rules, for
admission and enrolment as legal practitioners; and,
(f) the system continues on a path of transformation in accordance with the design of the
Legal Practice Act and complementary government policy and regulation.
Accreditation can be seen as a means of protecting the integrity of the legal system and the
interests of the public and the Constitution of the Republic.
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Chapter 2 of the Legal Practice Act deals specifically with training organisations and institutions.
The Regulations for the accreditation of such institutions, of which this guide and the application
form are an appendix, provide the legal framework within which the Legal Practice Council is
required to regulate the accreditation of private institutions.
Section 6 of the Legal Practice Act empowers the Council to provide financial support to
organizations or institutions providing legal education and training. Accordingly, as part of their
application for accreditation, training institutions and organizations are required to include an
application for any funding required, and to furnish a full breakdown of that funding, what it
pertains to, the items in respect of which it is estimated that funding will be spent, and the
estimated amount per trainee that is requested compared with the estimated cost per trainee of
providing the accredited training.
MORE SPECIFIC GUIDELINES
Introduction
These are the guidelines for prospective applicants desiring to apply for accreditation to the
Legal Practice Council (“the Council”).
All interested parties must apply for accreditation to the Council to present the Practical
Vocational Training (“PVT”) structured programmes for the year 2021 and thereafter. Those
parties who have already received accreditation for the year 2020 must treat such accreditation as
valid only for this year. Accreditation henceforth will be valid for two years and must be
renewed biennially. The Council may withdraw accreditation at any time should an applicant fail
to abide by the terms of the accreditation.
The Guidelines
The purpose of these guidelines is to assist applicants to apply for accreditation. The guidelines
are the following:
• In Part A the application process is set out: this includes the prescribed forms to be
completed. Part A commences with the logistical requirements and contains the
minimum standards applicants have to meet.
• The logistical requirements stipulated by the Council will be subject to verification
and inspection by officials from the Council.
• Applicants must submit details of their proposed trainers and presenters. The Council
provides minimum standards and guidelines for teaching and training methods.
• In Part B the required curriculum and details of the course work are set out.
Applicants must comply with the structured course work approved by the Council.
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3 No. 43192 35
• The Council will approve or reject the applicant’s curriculum and course content.
Applicants must comply with the Council’s norms and standards set out below.
• Applicants have a right of appeal should the Council not accredit such applicant as a
training institution.
PART A
Logistical Requirements
All applicants will have to meet the following requirements:
a) There must be a comfortable teaching and learning environment;
b) There must be a classroom or lecture venue capable of accommodating the number of
candidates the applicant wishes to train;
c) The classroom must be capable of being used as a moot court;
d) The availability of break-away rooms for candidates to work on case studies.
Provision must be made for at least 4 small break-away rooms;
e) There must be access to basic text books and relevant legislation;
f) There must be access to the internet for research purposes;
g) The lecture room must be fitted with data projectors and screens with audio facilities;
h) A computer room must be established to assist candidates to use technology;
i) There must be access to refreshments;
j) Ablution facilities must be provided;
k) A rest area must be provided.
Site Visits
Applicants are informed that the Council will conduct site visits, upon reasonable notice to the
training institution, to verify that minimum standards are met.
Training and Teaching Personnel
The Council will require that all teaching and training personnel be drawn from the ranks of
experienced practitioners. Applicants will be required to provide full details of all trainers and
teachers to be deployed. All trainers and teachers are expected to meet the norms and standards
published by the Council. Minimum standards for teaching methods are stated below in Part B.
Non-Refundable Fee
Applicants will be expected to pay the following fees:
a) A non-refundable fee to be paid on application for accreditation; and
b) A non-refundable fee to be paid on annual renewal of accreditation.
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GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
c) The fee payable on application for accreditation is R5 000 and must accompany the
application. Absent payment, the application will not be processed.
d) The fee payable for any renewal is R2 500 and must accompany applications for
renewal of accreditation.
e) All fees will be subject to review by the Council.
Application Form
Applicants should complete the Application Form after having read these Guidelines. The
Application Form is a separate document appended at the end of the Guidelines. See the
document entitled APPLICATION FOR ACCREDITATION AS A TRAINING INSTITUTION (In
terms of s 6(5)(g) of the Legal Practice Act 28 of 2014).
PART B
Curriculum and Structured Course Work
All applicants are required to provide details of the structured course work to be offered to
candidate legal practitioners. The following is expected:
a) A full description of every course on offer with details of the course content;
b) Applicants must produce and present their course materials and manuals. Note,
course materials must be written by the applicants.
c) Applicants must present a timetable for the whole PVT programme, indicating the
required hours of study and how those hours are earned. There must be an indication
of how many hours of class study, case studies, independent study and on-line study
are proposed.
d) The applicant is expected to provide a brief and clear statement of what the candidate
can expect to achieve on successful completion of each course (outcomes).
e) Applicants must satisfy the Council that they can comply with the norms and
standards. The Council will assess the teaching methodology.
Guidelines for Teaching Methods
The following are the basic guidelines for teaching and training candidate legal practitioners
(“candidates”) in the PVT programme and optional programmes. This is not an exhaustive list:
applicants are encouraged to develop their own training methods. Please note: the Council does
not expect applicants to redo the LLB.
a) An appropriate and well-managed presentation; reading to candidates from books
and legislation serves no practical purpose;
b) Instructors must remain relevant to the content being dealt with;
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STAATSKOERANT, No. 43192 37
c) Instructors must focus on the candidates’ understanding of the concepts and how
to apply this in practice;
d) Instructors must engage candidates by asking questions and calling for comment:
candidates must be encouraged to ask questions and participate;
e) Instructors must impress upon candidates that any drafting assignments be carried
out without assistance and without the use of precedents;
f) The course must be subdivided into appropriate units, lessons or modules;
g) A sequential exposition is a must, with new material building on previous
material;
h) The use of a variety of approaches, including summaries, visual material and
illustrative examples to illuminate particular concepts is encouraged;
i) All instructors are to make candidates aware of recent judgments and amendments
to legislation; and
j) The inclusion of clear instructions to guide candidates through the material.
k) Applicants must produce an assessment questionnaire for candidates who must
complete the questionnaire at the end of each course. Such questionnaires must be
filed and made available to the Council.
Fees for Training the PVT Programme
Applicants who intend to charge fees for attendance at PVT programmes must disclose the
amount in their application. Proposed fees are subject to Council approval.
Accreditation for Single Subjects or Coursework
Applicants may apply for accreditation to provide training and teaching for specialised courses
and not necessarily the whole PVT programme. Applications may be made for training of
candidates and admitted legal practitioners for certain specialised programmes.
a) The following is a list of such specialised courses:
- Trial Advocacy
- Legal Writing (for dispute resolution)
- Drafting commercial contracts
- Accounts management
- Business practice and management
- Wills and estates
- Conveyancing
- Notaries
b) The courses above are typically three to five-day courses and are intensive. The
course content and norms and standards are set by the Council. Applicants are
expected to provide full details of the curriculum, coursework and outcomes.
c) Applicants must disclose the fees for such training in the application: the fees are
subject to approval by the Council.
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GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
Financial Information
The Council must be satisfied, at least for the period that accreditation is sought, that the
applicant is financially capable of sustaining the training programme. Accordingly, relevant
financial information is required from applicants in the application form. Although audited
financial statements are not required as part of the application, the Council reserves the right to
request audited financial statements should it deem such to be necessary.
Quality Control
The Council is mandated to carry out oversight regarding the quality of training provided by
applicants. Applicants are informed of the following:
a) A programme of quality control and oversight measures will be determined by the
Council and published to all interested parties.
b) Applicants will be subjected to regular inspection;
c) Council staff will attend programmes;
d) Poor or indifferent quality will result in termination of accreditation.
e) The Council is committed to continuous improvement. Applicants are encouraged
actively to improve course contents and training methods. The Council will release
regular notices or newsletters to deal with new training materials and how to deal
with changes and updates to the law and practice.
NORMS AND STANDARDS
Regulations 6(11) and 7(10) required the Council to provide training standardised in terms of
norms and standards for the structured PVT coursework. The anticipated regulation 4 requires
likewise. The document, setting out the required norms and standards, is annexed to these
Guidelines. All applicants for accreditation are expected to meet such standards.
Applicants are advised to prepare their applications for accreditation based on the norms and
standards published by the Council.
Certificate of Accreditation
The Council will issue all successful applicants for accreditation with a certificate of
accreditation. The certificate will contain the date of issuance of accreditation and the time
period during which the certificate remains valid.
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STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020 No. 43192 39
APPLICATION FOR ACCREDITATION AS A TRAINING INSTITUTION
(In terms of s 6(5)(g) of the Legal Practice Act 28 of 2014)
Note: Applicants must consult the document: A Guide for Completing the Application for Accreditation as a
Training Institution.
A ADMINISTRATIVE DATA
1 Legal name of the applicant
2 Particulars of authorised contact person or key individual
(a) Name
(b) Designation of contact person (e.g. Ms, Mr, Dr, Prof, etc.)
(c) Telephone number
(d) Email address
3 Postal address of the applicant
Code
4 Physical address and contact details of the applicant’s main office
Code
Telephone
E-mail address
5 Website address (if any)
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40 No. 43192 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
B COMPANY, VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATION OR OTHER PERSON
7 Legal name of the applicant (same as in Item 1)
8 Official trading name, abbreviation, acronym or translation (if applicable)
9 Type of juristic person
(if a voluntary association – universitas
personarum – attach its constitution)
10 Company registration number
(if applicable)
11 Particulars of the Management
(a) Chief Executive Officer or head of the training institution
(i) Name
(ii) Title
(iii) Identity number (passport number and citizenship if not South African)
(iv) Telephone number including cellular phone number, if available
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(b) Names and identity numbers of all the applicant's current directors or key individuals
Surname & Initials Title Designation Identity Number Passport number
12 Details of the applicant's accountant or accounts manager
(a) Name of the applicant's auditor
13 Tax and business registration details
(a) VAT Registration Number (if applicable)
(b) Income Tax Number (if applicable)
14 Applicant’s proposed tuition fees
Tuition fees Are fees to be charged? Amount LPC check
of the Training Institution
Yes No
Tuition fees for the whole State the amount of the fee for the
course whole course
Tuition fees for each course State the amount of the fee per
charged separately course
15 Payment of the non-refundable LPC fee for the accreditation application/renewal application
Payment to the Legal Practice Date paid LPC check
Council
Application for whole course R 5,000.00
accreditation
Application for renewal R 2,500.00
Application for select courses Amount to be determined by the
accreditation LPC
Application for renewal Amount to be determined by the
LPC
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C PARTICULARS OF LEARNING PROGRAMMES
16 Table 01: Programmes submitted to the LPC for accreditation in terms of the Legal Practice Act: On 26 October 2019
the LPC approved the Norms and Standards of the course content set out below in the left column of Table 01. Regulations
published in GG No. 41879 on 31 August 2018 concerning legal practitioners qualifying as attorneys or advocates, with or
without fidelity fund certificates – are to be read in conjunction with the approved course content of the practical vocational
training programme. To compare the course names, see Annexure C.
Name of programme in the Norms and List of Mode of Language Minimum Contact with
Standards approved by the LPC on 26 course delivery of duration students
October 2019 names instruction in hours
Taking Instructions and Obtaining a Mandate 1 Full- Part-
time time
Plain language Writing and Analytical 2
Thinking
Drafting Legal Documents – Pleadings & 3
Motions
Ethics for legal Practitioners 4
Civil Procedure & Trial Advocacy 5
Criminal Court Practice & Trial Advocacy 6
Insolvency practice 7
Drafting of Contracts 8
Matrimonial Matters & Divorce 9
Delictual Claims Including Personal Injury 10
Claims
Legal Practitioners Accounts Management 11
Labour Dispute Resolution 12
Alternative Dispute Resolution 13
Wills and Estates 14
Introduction to e-commerce and application of 15
ECTA including the use of electronic
signatures
Basic Business Transactions
Business Rescue
Constitutional law 16
Legal Technology (Online) 17
Introduction to practice management (Online) 18
Introduction to Cyber law (Online) 19
Customary Law (Online) 20
Numeracy skills training 21
Legal Costs 22
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Table 02: Optional courses
Name of programme Section Mode Language Minimum Contact with
(see Guide) and Rules of of duration students
delivery instruction in hours
Trial advocacy training programme Five-day course Full- Part-
(40 hours) time time
Advanced drafting course Five-day course
(40 hours)
Table 03: Proposed sites for programme delivery
Physical address Programmes to be delivered
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D STAFF AND STUDENT DATA
18 Table: 04: Total staff expected to be employed and students to be registered for practical legal training
programmes during the first year of operation. The data should be expressed as headcount only.
First intake Second intake Third (if any)
Students
Academic / head office staff
Full-time
Part-time
Support staff
Full-time
Part-time
Service staff
Full-time
Part-time
E FINANCIAL VIABILITY REPORTS AND LEGAL DOCUMENTS
19 ANNEXURE A: Annual financial statements.
20 ANNEXURE B: Occupational health and safety compliance audit report.
F DETAILS OF THE COURSE CURRICULA FOR THE APPROVED PROGRAMME
21 ANNEXURE C: Table to compare the LPC 26 October 2019 approved practical
vocational training programme with regulation 6 and 7 of R. 921 GG No. 41879, 31
August 2018
22 ANNEXURE D: Programme of structured course work. Norms and Standards approved
by the Legal Practice Council on 26 October 2019
23 ANNEXURE E: Accounting course. Norms and Standards approved by the Legal
Practice Council on 26 October 2019
24 ANNEXURE F: Appeal Form in the event an Applicant is aggrieved by a decision of the
Legal Practice Council. The Council will give reasons for the decision not to accredit an
Applicant as a training institution.
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STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020 No. 43192 45
I, ____________________________________________ declare that this application and the
documents and electronic documents submitted as evidence in part of this application are the
rightful property of the training institution. I accept the terms and conditions of the application
and grant permission to the Legal Practice Council to proceed with the invoicing and evaluation
of this application.
________________________ __________________
SIGNATURE DATE
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46 No. 43192 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
ANNEXURE A 1
(a) Annual financial statements
For purposes of applying for accreditation as a training institution, the applicant must prepare and
submit the annual financial statements for the previous financial year. The preparation and presentation of
the financial statements must comply with the requirements of the the Companies Act 71 of 2008 and the
Statements of GAAP. The financial statements must include the following:
- Accountant’s report
- Directors' report
- Balance sheet
- Income statement
- Cash-flow statement
- Summary of accounting policies
- Notes to the financial statements
The accountant’s report referred to above must comply with the following requirements:
(i) The accountant’s report
In the report, the accountant must express his/her opinion on the appropriateness of the management’s
use of the going concern assumption in their preparation of the applicant’s financial statements. The
accountant’s report must be available for public scrutiny. Further, the accountant must indicate whether or
not he/she concurs with the directors’ Financial Viability Statement referred to below.
(ii) Directors’ report
Any matter not dealt with in the balance sheet, statement of changes in equity, income statement, cash-
flow statement or notes thereto, must be dealt with in the directors’ report. Any post-balance sheet event
that is material to the appreciation of the financial position of the applicant, its changes in equity, and the
results of its operations and cash flows must also be tabled in the directors’ report.
Ideally the report should include, but not be limited to, the following aspects:
- Directors and secretary
- Principal activities/Nature of business
- Directors’ responsibilities
- Going concern assessment
- Operating results
- Dividends (if any)
- Review of operations
o Revenue
o Profit before tax
- Share capital
- Post-balance-sheet events
The text of the current document is is drawn from the Regulations for the Registration of Private Higher Education
Institutions, 2003: Annexures GN R335 of 2003 GG 24976 of 28 Feb 2003: F FINANCIAL VIABILITY REPORTS
AND LEGAL DOCUMENTS at ITEM 29.
So, the Council needs to consider the replacement of the auditor with an accountant.
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- Financial viability statement
The Chief Executive Officer, or an official of similar standing, must sign the directors’ report.
(b) Three-year financial forecasts
A new applicant who has not previously operated in any form whatsoever, must submit a three-year
financial forecast drafted by the applicant’s accountant. The three-year financial forecast must consist of
the following:
(a) Accountant's report
(b) Detailed assumptions
(c) Balance sheet
(d) Pro forma income statements for three years
(e) Pro forma cashflow statements for three years
(f) Explanatory notes to the financial forecasts
(aa) Detailed assumptions
These assumptions should serve as the basis for all the figures and calculations done in
the pro forma statements.
(bb) Balance sheet
This statement must, on analysis, be in a position to provide answers to the following
questions:
- What assets does the applicant own?
- How much does the applicant intend investing in the proposed operations?
- What are the applicant’s sources of funding?
- What is the proportion of debt to be incurred vis-a-vis own capital/equity?
(cc) Pro forma income statements
These statements must, on analysis, be able to show all the sources of the applicant’s
income and the amounts to be generated from each source. They must further indicate
how the applicant is to meet the following funding requirements (start-up expenditure
line items):
- Capital costs
- Classroom furniture and equipment
- Library facility
- Student support services
- Student financial aid
- Research
- Quality assurance and quality promotion
- Professional fees (legal, financial, etc.)
- Costs for developing tuition materials
- Systems design, purchase and implementation
- Promotion/Advertising/Marketing Costs
- Furniture
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- Electronic equipment (teaching and learning)
- Vehicles
- Staff recruitment
- Staff salaries
- Rent
- Travel
- Recreation
- Telecommunications
- Office consumables, etc.
(dd) Pro forma cash flow statements
These statements must indicate how much, during the first three years of operation,
the applicant expects to-
- generate for/from operating activities;
- generate for/from investing activities; and
- generate for/from financing activities.
(ee) Explanatory notes
Aspects that have not been dealt with as part of Assumptions, should be clearly
explained in this section. Where applicable, this section should include, but not be
limited to, the explanation of the following:
- Dividend policy (if any)
- Financing terms and conditions
- VAT treatment, etc.
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ANNEXURE B
Applicants are referred to the legislation below and are expected to comply; with
particular reference not only to employees but also to candidate legal practitioners in
attendance
Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993
8 General duties of employers to their employees
(1) Every employer shall provide and maintain, as far as is reasonably practicable, a working
environment that is safe and without risk to the health of his employees.
(2) Without derogating from the generality of an employer’s duties under subsection (1), the
matters to which those duties refer include in particular-
(a) the provision and maintenance of systems of work, plant and machinery that, as
far as is reasonably practicable, are safe and without risks to health;
(b) taking such steps as may be reasonably practicable to eliminate or mitigate any
hazard or potential hazard to the safety or health of employees, before resorting to personal
protective equipment;
(c) making arrangements for ensuring, as far as is reasonably practicable, the safety
and absence of risks to health in connection with the production, processing, use, handling,
storage or transport of articles or substances;
(d) establishing, as far as is reasonably practicable, what hazards to the health or
safety of persons are attached to any work which is performed, any article or substance which is
produced, processed, used, handled, stored or transported and any plant or machinery which is
used in his business, and he shall, as far as is reasonably practicable, further establish what
precautionary measures should be taken with respect to such work, article, substance, plant or
machinery in order to protect the health and safety of persons, and he shall provide the necessary
means to apply such precautionary measures;
(e) providing such information, instructions, training and supervision as may be
necessary to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety at work of his
employees;
(f) as far as is reasonably practicable, not permitting any employee to do any work or
to produce, process, use, handle, store or transport any article or substance or to operate any
plant or machinery, unless the precautionary measures contemplated in paragraphs (b) and (d), or
any other precautionary measures which may be prescribed, have been taken;
(g) taking all necessary measures to ensure that the requirements of this Act are
complied with by every person in his employment or on premises under his control where plant
or machinery is used;
(h) enforcing such measures as may be necessary in the interest of health and safety;
(i) ensuring that work is performed and that plant or machinery is used under the
general supervision of a person trained to understand the hazards associated with it and who have
the authority to ensure that precautionary measures taken by the employer are implemented; and
(j) causing all employees to be informed regarding the scope of their authority as
contemplated in section 37 (1) (b).
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ANNEXURE C: HOW TO UNDERSTAND THE APPROVED PROGRAMME NAMES
Table A shows the PVT courses from the perspective of the LPC approval dated 26 October 2019.
Table B shows the PVT courses from the perspective of Regulation 6 (candidate attorneys) and Regulation 7 (pupils).
Table A
Name of programme in the List in Names in regulations Regulation Names in regulations Regulation
Norms and Standards Annex B section section
approved by the LPC on 26 numbers numbers
October 2019
Taking Instructions and 1
Obtaining a Mandate
Plain language Writing and 2
Analytical Thinking
Drafting Legal Documents – 3 Legal writing and drafting 7(9)(g)
Pleadings & Motions
Ethics for legal Practitioners 4 Professional legal ethics 6(10)(b) Professional conduct & 7(9)(f)
legal ethics of advocates
Civil Procedure & Trial 5 High Court practice 6(10)(d) Advocacy skills, including 7(9)(b)
Advocacy trial & motion court
proceedings & attendance of
court proceedings
Magistrate’s Court practice 6(10)(e) Civil procedure 7(9)(d)
Criminal Court Practice & 6 Criminal Court practice 6(10)(f) Criminal procedure 7(9)(e)
Trial Advocacy
Insolvency practice 7
Drafting of Contracts 8 Drafting of contracts 6(10)(m)
Matrimonial Matters & 9 Matrimonial law 6(10)(k)
Divorce
Delictual Claims Including 10 Personal injury claims 6(10)(c)
Personal Injury Claims
Legal Practitioners Accounts 11 Attorneys’ bookkeeping 6(10)(i) For pupils intending to be 7(9)(a)
Management admitted as advocates
referred to in section
34(2)(b) of the Act,
bookkeeping as
contemplated in regulation
6(10)(i)
Labour Dispute Resolution 12 Labour dispute resolution 6(10)(g)
Alternative Dispute 13 Alternative dispute 6(10)(h) Alternative dispute 7(9)(c)
Resolution resolution resolution
Wills and Estates 14 Wills and estates 6(10)(j)
Introduction to e-commerce 15
and application of ECTA
including the use of electronic
signatures
Constitutional law 16 Constitutional practice 6(10)(a) Constitutional law & 7(9)(h)
Customary law
Legal Technology (Online) 17
Introduction to practice 18 Introduction to practice 6(10)(o)
management (Online) management
Introduction to Cyber law 19 Information & 6(10)(n)
(Online) communication technology 7(9)(i)
for practice, and associated
aspects of cyber law
Customary Law (Online) 20
Numeracy skills training 21
Legal Costs 22 Legal costs 6(10)(l)
Trial advocacy training 25(3)(a)(i)
programme Rule 19
Post-qualification 5(h),
professional development 6(1)(a)(ix),
& (5)(e),(g)
Continuing education and 6(5)(e)
training
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STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020 No. 43192 51
Table B
Name of programme in the Regulations Regulations Name of programme in the Norms and List in
Reg 6 listed from Standards approved by the LPC on 26 October Annex B
(10)(a) to (o) with Reg 2019
7 integrated into the
sequence of Reg 6.
Taking Instructions and Obtaining a Mandate 1
Plain language Writing and Analytical Thinking 2
Insolvency practice 7
Introduction to e-commerce and application of 15
ECTA including the use of electronic signatures
Legal Technology (Online) 17
Customary Law (Online) 20
Numeracy skills training 21
Constitutional practice 6(10)(a) Constitutional law 16
Constitutional law & Customary law 7(9)(h) Constitutional law 16
Customary Law 20
Professional legal ethics 6(10)(b) Ethics for legal Practitioners 4
Professional conduct & legal ethics of 7(9)(f) Ethics for legal Practitioners 4
advocates
Personal injury claims 6(10)(c) Delictual Claims Including Personal Injury Claims 10
High Court practice 6(10)(d) Civil Procedure & Trial Advocacy 5
Advocacy skills, including trial & motion court 7(9)(b) Civil Procedure & Trial Advocacy 5
proceedings & attendance of court proceedings
Magistrate’s Court practice 6(10)(e) Civil Procedure & Trial Advocacy 5
Civil procedure 7(9)(d) Civil Procedure & Trial Advocacy 5
Criminal Court practice 6(10)(f) Criminal Court Practice & Trial Advocacy 6
Criminal procedure 7(9)(e) Criminal Court Practice & Trial Advocacy 6
Labour dispute resolution 6(10)(g) Labour Dispute Resolution 12
Alternative dispute resolution 6(10)(h) Alternative Dispute Resolution 13
Attorneys’ bookkeeping 6(10)(i) Legal Practitioners Accounts Management 11
For pupils intending to be admitted as advocates 7(9)(a) Legal Practitioners Accounts Management 11
referred to in section 34(2)(b) of the Act,
bookkeeping as contemplated in regulation
6(10)(i)
Wills and estates 6(10)(j) Wills and Estates 14
Matrimonial law 6(10)(k) Matrimonial Matters & Divorce 9
Legal costs 6(10)(l) Legal Costs 22
Drafting of contracts 6(10)(m) Drafting of Contracts 8
Legal writing and drafting 7(9)(g) Drafting Legal Documents – Pleadings & Motions 3
Information & communication technology for 6(10)(n) Introduction to Cyber law (Online) 19
practice, and associated aspects of cyber law 7(9)(i)
Introduction to practice management 6(10)(o) Introduction to practice management (Online) 18
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52 No. 43192 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
Table C
Name of programme in the List in Names in new regulations Regulation
Norms and Standards Annex B about to be published section 4(1)
approved by the LPC on sub-
26 October 2019 paragraphs
Taking Instructions and 1 taking instructions and (a)
Obtaining a Mandate obtaining a mandate
Plain language Writing and 2 plain language writing and (b)
Analytical Thinking analytical thinking
Drafting Legal Documents – 3 drafting legal documents - (c)
Pleadings & Motions pleadings and motions
Ethics for legal Practitioners 4 ethics for legal practitioners (d)
Civil Procedure & Trial 5 civil procedure and trial (e)
Advocacy advocacy
Criminal Court Practice & 6 criminal court practice and (f)
Trial Advocacy trial advocacy
Insolvency practice 7 Insolvency practice (g)
Drafting of Contracts 8 drafting of contracts (h)
Matrimonial Matters & 9 matrimonial matters and (i)
Divorce divorce
Delictual Claims Including 10 delictual claims, including (j)
Personal Injury Claims personal injury claims
Legal Practitioners Accounts 11 legal practitioners’ account (k)
Management management
Labour Dispute Resolution 12 labour dispute resolution (l)
Alternative Dispute 13 alternative dispute resolution (m)
Resolution
Wills and Estates 14 wills and estates (n)
Introduction to e-commerce 15 introduction to E-commerce (o)
and application of ECTA and application of the
including the use of Electronic Communications
electronic signatures and Transactions Act, 25 of
2002, including the electronic
signatures
basic business transactions (p)
business rescue (q)
Constitutional law 16 constitutional law (r)
Legal Technology (Online) 17 legal technology (online) (s)
Introduction to practice 18 introduction to practice (t)
management (Online) management (online)
Introduction to Cyber law 19 introduction to cyber law (u)
(Online) (online)
Customary Law (Online) 20 customary law (online) (v)
Numeracy skills training 21 numeracy skills training (w)
Legal Costs 22
Trial advocacy training 25(3)(a)(i)
programme Rule 19
Post-qualification 5(h),
professional development 6(1)(a)(ix),
& (5)(e),(g)
Continuing education and 6(5)(e)
training
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ANNEXURE D
Programme of structured course work
Norms and Standards : Regulation 4(1) of the new regulations replacing regulations 6(11) and 7(10)
Subject and curriculum Outcomes Remarks 1 2 3
1 Taking Instructions and Obtaining a
Mandate – Reg 4(1)(a) Expected Outcomes Note to Trainer 8 2 10
Content:
This course starts with FICA and CPA The candidate must understand the following: This module contemplates training
compliance. on a practical level.
An explanation why a client is entitled to a) What to do to prepare for a first
an estimate of fees and disbursements. consultation with a potential client. Candidates must know what to do,
Reference to tariffs of fees and templates b) What are the basic compliance why we do and how to do it.
for making fee assessments. requirements?
How to prepare for a first consultation. c) How to carry out the first An assessment of the candidates
How to conduct a first consultation. interview or consultation. will take place through both
How to contextualise a client’s problem. d) How to go about taking formative and summative
How to arrange follow up consultations. instructions. How to obtain the assessments.
The importance of first obtaining all the relevant facts.
relevant facts. e) Techniques in carrying out a Candidates will have to score a
How to obtain relevant documentation. consultation. minimum of 50% to pass an
STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020
How to listen to a client without f) An understanding of applied assessment.
interrupting. research, as opposed to academic
How to ask relevant questions to bring research.
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out the facts. g) How to use the available research
How to structure questions. Why leading tools. How to do research in an
questions must be avoided. effective and efficient manner.
Minimum contact hours
Assignments
Notional hours
No. 43192 53
When to write letters and when not to
write letters.
How much detail to include in a letter
and what type of detail.
54 No. 43192
An introduction on how to carry out legal
research.
Where to find the law.
How to find the law quickly.
How to use annotations effectively.
How to use electronic Law reports.
What is meant by: “the best statement of
the law is to be found in the most recent
decision of the highest court.”
2 Plain Language Writing and Expected Outcomes Note to Trainer 8 3 11
Analytical Thinking – Reg 4(1)(b)
Content:
A sensitive assessment of English The ability to write well is an essential skill. The module is extremely important:
language competency needs to be done. The following is expected of candidates: an effort has to be made to improve
What is plain language writing: why a) Candidates must write in plain literacy skills amongst candidates.
plain language is relevant to lawyers: English on their own. They must Principals and pupil masters must
and, how to achieve writing in plain not become slaves to precedents. be aware of their roles in this.
language. b) After the PVT contract is An experienced English teacher
A short course on writing skills to cover completed, there must be a must present the plain English
GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
grammar, syntax, sentence construction, demonstrable improvement in the writing module.
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punctuation and vocabulary. candidate’s literacy skills. The module must have writing and
Assistance with comprehension skills. c) During PVT contracts, candidates reading assignments from the
Introduction of a compulsory reading must be encouraged to develop a outset: one book per month.
programme. All candidates are required culture of reading and writing. Principals and pupil masters must
to read at least one book, of their own d) Candidates must demonstrate the monitor candidates from the outset.
choice, per month throughout the period ability to write as a lawyer without Assessment of writing skills needs
of the PVT contract. Principals and pupil sounding like one. Candidates to take place throughout the PVT
masters must ensure compliance. must not use jargon or “legalese”. contract.
Candidates must be encouraged to write e) Candidates must understand how The final assessments will include
on their own without copying and pasting to approach a legal problem. They the ability to write.
from office precedents. must grasp that the facts are the Experienced practitioners (at least
most important: only then should seven years’ experience in practice
Problem Solving one consider the law. or a comparable level of expertise)
An explanation of how to analyse a legal f) An understanding of how to gather must explain the concept of how to
problem. the known facts and analyse them understand a legal problem: how to
How to think like a lawyer. is an essential skill. analyse and contextualise the
How to apply logic. g) The candidate must understand problem. Then follows the method
How to find solutions to legal problems. that first the facts have to be of finding answers for a client with
Critical thinking: obtained, then the matter can be reference to the facts and the law.
What is critical thinking? contextualised as to the area of the Writing involves thinking. There is
How to apply critical thinking. law that is applicable. a method in this. Candidates must
The object is to develop application of h) Candidates have to understand that apply their minds before putting
cognitive skills. any legal solution must be pen to paper. This must be taught
How to apply the law to the peculiar supported by the facts of the case. during the first month of the PVT
facts of one’s case. contract.
NB: Candidates cannot expect to
Facts first: law second. pass exams and assessments if they
are unable to write properly due to
poor literacy skills.
3 Drafting Legal Documents – Expected Outcomes Note to Trainers
STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020
Pleadings and Motions – Reg 4(1)(c)
Content: Candidates will know the following: Note: for this module we expect the
Managing Fact: a) Candidates must understand the skills trainers to have at least 7 to 10
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a) How to obtain relevant facts. listed in the content column. They are years of practical experience or a
b) What are the sources of fact. not expected to be expert drafters comparable level of expertise in all
c) Obtaining documents including already. areas of dispute resolution and
electronic documents. How to preserve b) Candidates must be able to recognise litigation in particular.
documents. the procedures and be able to assist in
d) Obtaining witness statements. dealing with cases under the When assessing assignments, assist
e) Carrying out in loco inspections supervision of principals and pupil by correcting the faults and ask the
if necessary: how to record the evidence. masters. candidate to redraft; in this way
No. 43192 55
f) How to obtain and preserve c) Candidates will be subjected to both there will be some skills transfer.
relevant exhibits: what exhibits are. formative and summative assessments.
g) The explanation above is required d) Candidates will know how to analyse
before any papers are drafted. three sets of affidavits in motion Remember to explain managing
56 No. 43192
matters. facts before allowing candidates to
Analysing Fact. e) Candidates will know how to grasp start drafting pleadings.
a) Candidates must understand what to findings of facts on affidavits,
do after gathering the facts. including the Plascon-Evans test. Explain that the sequence of facts
b) Candidates must learn, at the outset, f) Candidates will know how to bring an forms the crux of chronologies
to sequence all the facts and interdict [as part of the case studies]. needed in terms of Directives in
documents. many Courts.
c) Candidates must be able to analyse
facts on the basis that only relevant
facts must be retained and presented
at a hearing; only facts that are
admissible, in terms of the rules of
evidence, can be relied on. Further,
candidates must understand that any
version of facts they intend to rely
on, must be probable in relation to
the circumstances of the case.
d) Candidates must learn, early in their
careers, that they cannot go to court
with a version that is improbable or
GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
implausible.
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e) Candidates must be able to work out
that there are facts which support
their own client’s version of what
actually happened; and that there
will be facts that do not support their
client’s version.
f) Candidates must understand that
carrying out such an analysis is the
only way for lawyers to understand
the facts of their client’s case.
g) Merely reading witness statements
and documents is of no value. Nor is
it of any value merely to accept a
version on the basis that “those are
my instructions”; one must carry out
an objective fact analysis first.
Working out the case concept (or theory
of your case)
a) What happened according to your
client’s version of the facts?
b) What are the issues, factual and
legal, that emerge from the facts?
c) What are you going to tell the judge
at the hearing?
d) What version are you going to
present in your papers?
e) How will you present evidence?
f) Who will be the witnesses and what
documents will you need?
g) How will you run the case from
STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020
pleadings to final argument?
h) This process has to be applied
before any papers are drafted.
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Working out the cause of action or
defence
a) There must be a comprehensive
explanation, using case studies, of
how one takes a set of facts and
works out what your client’s cause
No. 43192 57
of action or defence is. Look to the
case concept and the applicable law.
Do not draft papers without first
undertaking this step.
58 No. 43192
b) Candidates must understand the
meaning of the elements of one’s
cause of action or defence and where
and how to find those elements in
the peculiar facts of your case and
with reference to the law.
c) Candidates must know how to
recognise and formulate a cause of
action and defence before any
drafting commences. Emphasise the importance of
d) The object is for candidates to drafting pleadings without using a
understand this method instead of precedent.
consulting a precedent first.
Deciding what procedure to use Action /
Application We recommend using case studies
a) Candidates must understand the test to assist candidates to understand
whether to proceed by way of action the test whether to proceed by way
or motion. of motion or action.
b) Candidates must understand the
GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
main differences between actions
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and applications.
c) Refer to the Uniform Rules of Court
and practice directives.
d) What is meant by a dispute of fact:
how does one test a set of facts? Explain a referral to evidence and a
e) Candidates must know what happens referral to trial. In each case use a
in court when an application cannot case study of how such referrals are
be adjudicated on the papers. drafted.
Drafting pleadings Emphasise that candidates draft on
(including how to get to your first rough their own without the assistance of
draft) a precedent.
a) Candidates must draft on their own
without the assistance of a precedent. Explain the method of drafting with
b) Candidates must read and understand reference to Rules 18 and 22 of the
rules 18 and 22 of the Uniform Rules. Uniform Rules of Court.
c) Candidates must know how to draft
particulars of claim and a plea. Use case studies to assist
d) Candidates must draft causes of candidates to draft all causes of
action in contract, delict, divorce and action.
unjust enrichment. The focus must be
on contract and delict. Assignments can be submitted on
e) Candidates must do assignments for e-learning platforms. Trainers must
formative assessments. assess each assignment.
f) Candidates must grasp the lay-out of
pleadings with proper paragraph Explain the lay-out of pleadings
numbering, appropriate spacing, font with proper paragraph numbering,
types, use of headings and point first appropriate spacing, font types, use
drafting. of headings and point first drafting.
g) No pleading may be vague: each
pleading must disclose a cause of Explain what is meant by a
STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020
action. pleading that is vague and one that
h) A plea must comply with Rule 22 of does not disclose a cause of action.
the Uniform Rules. Bare denials are
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not allowed. Candidates must plead Explain that in a plea there must be
their client’s version, which, if a response to the plaintiff’s facts
proved, will amount to a defence to and that evasive drafting is not
plaintiff’s claim. tolerated. They are not to draft bare
i) Candidates must be able to draft a denials without setting out their
Special Plea and to know when and client’s version.
how to draft a Special Plea.
No. 43192 59
Drafting Notices of Motion and three sets Explain a “Special Plea”, when it is
of affidavits used and how it is drafted.
a) Candidates must learn the different
60 No. 43192
types of notices of motion and when
each is used. This must include a
long form notice of motion, a short
form notice of motion and a Two-
Part notice of motion.
b) Candidates must know when and
how each of the three types is used.
c) Candidates must learn to draft Use case studies and get the
founding, answering and replying candidates to draft on their own.
affidavits.
d) Candidates must know the required Explain the purpose of founding,
lay-out of each of the affidavits with answering and replying affidavits.
reference to the requirements in the
Uniform Rules and directives. Online Drafting exercises and case
e) Candidates must know how to index studies will have to be completed.
and paginate court files.
4 Ethics for legal Practitioners – Reg Expected Outcomes Note to Trainer 6 0 6
4(1)(d)
GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
Content: a) Candidates will know the seven The content of the course must be
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A single contact session as well as Ethics universal ethical principles that apply uniform for all candidate legal
for Legal Practitioners needs to be to all professions. practitioners.
incorporated into the introduction to each
module recommended in this b) Candidates will know any specific rule Currently the regulations and the
programme. in the Code of Conduct that applies to Code of Conduct provide for three
any module. types of legal practitioner. So, the
Candidates must be aware of the ethical candidate must be aware of the
requirements for all types of practitioner. ethical requirements for all three.
Details of course content c) Candidates will be able to apply the
The seven universal ethical principles Code of Conduct applicable to all The summative assessment must be
branches of the legal profession, be it an open book exam. Candidates
The current Code of Conduct of 29 attorney, advocate or advocate with a must have open book access to the
March 2019: trust account. Code of Conduct and relevant
regulations during the assessment.
Section 3 of the general provisions in the d) All candidates will understand and
Code of Conduct requires attention. know the provisions of section 3. Candidates will answer questions
based on applying the Code.
Section 56 The scope and limits of e) All candidates will be able to apply
legitimate cross-emanation are section 56 of the Code when doing the
particularly important. Trial Advocacy programme and in the
summative assessment of the open
book exam.
Universal ethical principles
honesty The universal ethical principles text is from Only the seven ethical principles
trustworthiness https://www.iaa.govt.nz/for-advisers/adviser- set out in the first column must be
loyalty tools/ethics-toolkit/professional-ethics-and- memorised by rote.
respect for others codes-of-conduct/
adherence to the law
doing good and avoiding harm to others
accountability
STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020
5 Civil Procedure and Trial Advocacy We provide for six days of 36 6 42
– Reg 4(1)(e) training
Content: Expected Outcomes Note to Trainers
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There is a substantial overlap in the What follows is part of the Trial
Uniform Rules of Court and Magistrates’ Candidates must understand the process and Advocacy programme. For
Courts Rules. procedures in taking a matter to trial from purposes of this PVT programme
Candidates must have knowledge of the pleadings to hearing. we expect the various disciplines to
rules in both courts. The differences must be dealt with in a programme which
be highlighted. In particular the can be included within the high
difference in powers and functions The purpose is to ensure that candidates court and magistrates court practice
No. 43192 61
regarding the Magistrate’s Court. understand the practical steps required to be and procedure. The minimum hours
Candidates must be made familiar with taken and how to prepare for a trial. must be achieved. This course is
Practice Directives in both the High not to be confused with the five-
Court and Magistrate’s Court. Candidates will know how to set down a day advanced course that we
62 No. 43192
Candidates must know where to find the matter for trial. recommend for those practitioners
directives and how they are applied. who want to appear in court trials
and applications. That advanced
The following must be dealt with: course is dealt with separately,
Contingency Litigation: below. The instruction method is
What is contingency litigation and how practical: this requires the use of
to decide whether to take a matter on case studies. Advocacy is a
contingency? What are the rules and how performance skill: so, trainers are
to charge contingency fees? expected to give demonstrations.
What do courts say about contingency This can also be included in a moot
litigation? court programme.
Case management: Note to Trainers
What is Case Management, and how to Since instruction is of a practical
apply it in your practice and in court nature, trainers must use case
proceedings. studies so that candidates can
Candidates must learn that modern day actually carry out various tasks or
litigation is less adversarial and more see how they are done. The trainers
cooperative with the object being to for this module must have at least 7
resolve disputes quickly and at a to 10 years’ experience or a
GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
reasonable cost. comparable level of expertise in
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Candidates must know how to refer a dispute resolution.
matter to case management, the process
and procedures in case management. Instruction must be given about the
Certification: process and procedures in case
Candidates must understand how the trial management and certification
certification process works. In particular process: this must include attending
that a judge will require the parties to case conferences and certifications
agree and record the triable issue/s. with a judge.
Trial Preparation: Note to Trainer
Candidates must understand that there is Explain what is meant by “door
a duty on a practitioner to settle a matter settlements” and why our courts are
at any stage. The earlier the matter gets against them.
settled, the better. Explain the consequences of
making door settlements.
Candidates must acquire the following
skills:
* How to analyse pleadings.
* How to determine triable issues.
* How to limit the issues for trial.
* How to initiate case conferences Explain that the intended purpose
for certification and for trial readiness. of the pre-trial conference must be
* How to do pre-trial conferences, achieved; it is not merely a step
and how to draft the agenda. requiring compliance.
* How to carry out a proof analysis.
Candidates must understand what is Explain that once the issues are
meant by “proof of a fact” and how to settled, candidates have to consider
discharge the onus. how they will go about proving
* How to carry out witness and their client’s version.
documentation analysis.
* How to prepare chronology
STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020
documents.
Discovery:
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* Candidates must understand latest
Developments on how to obtain, preserve
and present relevant documentation
including Electronic Documents.
* Candidates must understand the
concept of narrow discovery and
proportionality.
No. 43192 63
* Candidates must know how to
prepare trial bundles. This must include
the importance of sequencing.
64 No. 43192
How to Attend Pre-Trial Conferences Note to Trainer
and Case Conferences. This will include an explanation of
* Candidates must understand the case conferencing with judicial
purpose of these conferences and how officers.
that purpose can be achieved. Explain how to prepare for a case
or pre-trial conference.
Trial Procedure
Requirement of practice notes for the
court. When are these notes expected to Explain the purpose of practice
be filed and what are the contents? notes.
The content
Before proceeding with this programme,
candidates must be made aware of their
Case Concept, how they intend to
proceed with the hearing and discharge
the onus.
* Witness briefing. Candidates
must know how to prepare a witness for
court appearances.
GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
* Opening Statement.
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* Leading a witness in chief.
* Cross examination.
* Re-examination.
* Presenting argument.
Note: this is part of the trial advocacy
programme. These skills will be split up
as separate modules which will be
incorporated into and presented as part of
the civil procedure programme. Different
instructors can be used.
Heads of Argument.
* When are heads required. Explain how a typical set of heads
* What is meant by “main heads of is laid out.
argument”.
* What are Short heads and
Comprehensive heads.
Note: candidates will not be expected to
draft heads in this programme.
6 Criminal Court Practice and Trial Expected Outcomes Note to Trainers 12 4 16
Advocacy – Reg 4(1)(f)
Content: Candidates will understand the process This module contemplates training
Candidates must know the peculiar involved in conducting a criminal matter, on a practical level.
requirements in a criminal trial thus: from obtaining the charge sheet to final So, avoid repeating the university
Course Content argument. lectures on criminal procedure.
* How to obtain and analyse the
charge sheet and docket. Candidates are expected to attend
* How to take instructions and criminal trials and bail applications
obtain your client’s version. in the Magistrate’s Court and High
* How to obtain witness statements Court during the duration of the
STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020
and ensure witness presence in court. PVT contract. Use case studies and
* How to do plea bargaining. demonstrate what happens in court.
* How to do bail applications.
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* How to plead effectively, The trial advocacy component can
including when to make a Plea be incorporated into the trial
explanation. advocacy training for the High
* How to attend trial and pre-trial Court.
conferences.
* How to cross-examine state
witnesses.
No. 43192 65
* How to present your client’s
version to a state witness.
* How to lead evidence in chief
including the decision to call your client.
66 No. 43192
* How to present argument
* How to present sentencing
options and evidence in mitigation.
Note: the court craft here will also be a
module of Trial Advocacy.
7 Insolvency practice – Reg 4(1)(g) 12 4 16
Content: Expected Outcomes Note to Trainer
How to bring an: The candidate will be able to: The course requires formative
Application for sequestration both: a) Draft a notice of motion for each assessments while candidates get
- Voluntary and type of application, be it used to drafting the notices of
- Compulsory liquidation or sequestration. motion and founding affidavits.
Liquidation and, b) Draft the founding affidavit for
Business rescue. each type of application so that the Summative assessments need to be
Application for Rehabilitation. allegations contain all the basic open book exams in the sense that
compliance requirements. candidates have access to the
Discussion of the relevant provisions of c) Understand the difference between Insolvency Act 24 of 1936, the
the Insolvency Act and Companies Act. friendly and voluntary applications Companies Act 71 of 2008 and
Candidates must understand the effect of for sequestration. Chapter XIV of the Companies Act
GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
a sequestration of a person’s estate and d) Understand the effect of 61 of 1973.
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the effect of the winding up of a juristic sequestration on the insolvent’s
person. Candidates are not expected to property. The summative assessment must
run meetings of creditors. That e) Find the applicable law concerning establish whether the candidate can
experience is gained inhouse while in the winding-up and liquidation of produce a valid application: it must
practice with senior lawyers. companies. not rehash the LLB degree.
f) Be able to apply the relevant
Blended learning: made up of contact practice directives.
sessions + online work.
8 Drafting of Contracts – Reg 4(1)(h) Expected Outcomes Note to Trainer 12 3 15
Content:
* General techniques in drafting a Candidates must understand that drafting a The emphasis must be on how to
commercial contract: contract involves much more than merely understand the transaction, then to
Obtaining instructions: reaching for a precedent. draft the provisions.
* The basic provisions for effective
contracts: Understanding the transaction is of vital There must be a critical method in
* The structure of a contract importance followed by due diligence. using precedents. It is not a mere
(international best practice): copy and paste exercise.
* How to use commercial
precedents. We recommend the use of a case
* How to draft the standard study which will become part of the
boilerplate provisions. formative assessment.
* How to draft transactional
provisions.
* Where relevant, questions of
basic compliance must be addressed.
* Introduction to due diligence.
9 Matrimonial Matters and Divorce – Expected Outcomes Note to Trainers 10 6 16
Reg 4(1)(i) This module must be presented by a
Content: Candidates must appreciate that all family law practitioner with 7 years or more
Taking instructions in detail. matters are dealt with differently. Our courts experience or a comparable level of
STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020
Advice on marriage and its consequences do not encourage adversarial litigation and expertise in all aspects of family
Ante-nuptial contracts expect the parties to cooperate towards a law.
Advice on out of community of property reasonable settlement.
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with or without the accrual system and The course requires formative
marriage in community of property These matters must be dealt with in a assessments while candidates get
Divorce and its consequences sensitive and sensible manner. Candidates used to drafting pleadings for
Drafting particulars of claim / defence. must be alive to this especially where minor divorce and Rule 43 applications.
Drafting Rule 43 Applications. children are involved.
How to settle matrimonial disputes Summative assessments need to be
outside Court. ADR in Family Law. The candidate must understand the following: open book exams in the sense that
No. 43192 67
Advice on rights and duties concerning a) How to carry out the first candidates have access to the
children in a marriage, including: consultation to get all the facts. Children’s Act 38 of 2005, and
Adoptive children: b) How to advise on marriage, ante- legislation like the Marriage Act 25
Step-children: and, nuptial contracts with or without of 1961, Recognition of Customary
68 No. 43192
Children in foster care. the accrual system, community of Marriages Act 120 of 1998, Civil
How to deal with custody of children. property and the consequences of Union Act 17 of 2006 and Divorce
The best interests of the child principle. marriage. Act 70 of 1979, and all applicable
Maintenance of children and, if c) How to advise on divorce and its practice directives and practice
applicable, former spouses. consequences. manuals. Emphasis must be on the
d) How to settle matrimonial disputes application of the law, not rote
A discussion on the judgement in outside Court and to introduce learning of statutes. 50% is required
Brownlee v Brownlee. clients to the idea of settlement to pass an assessment.
through ADR.
The duty of a practitioner in all family e) How to draft divorce particulars of One must assume that candidates
matters to resolve disputes quickly and claim or defence. dealt in their LLB with the law
cheaply. f) How to draft Rule 43 applications. relating to engagement, the contract
g) How to give advice concerning the of marriage, the formalities
Blended learning: made up of contact Children’s Act 38 of 2005, required for a valid marriage ito the
sessions + online work. especially the Hague Convention. Marriage Act, the Recognition of
h) How to work out maintenance for Customary Marriages Act and the
children, and where applicable, Civil Union Act.
former spouses.
i) How to enforce divorce settlement Likewise, one assumes the LLB
agreements. dealt with the Child Care Act 38 of
GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
j) Able to identify the principle in 2005 and the Divorce Act 70 of
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the Brownlee case. 1979.
10 Delictual Claims Including Personal 6 6 12
Injury Claims – Reg 4(1)(j) Expected Outcomes Note to Trainer
Content:
Delictual claims, including personal injury This module requires a trainer of
* How to gather & analyse the facts claims are an important part of any litigation more than 7 years of practical
before deciding on a cause of action. practice. experience or a comparable level of
* How to work out the cause of Candidates must know how to obtain the expertise.
action. facts, contextualise the matter and formulate a
It is important for trainers to point
* How to draft the cause of action cause of action with reference to the facts and
out that there are abuses that take
(particulars of claim). the law. place; such as the over-inflation of
* How to assess quantum. quantum.
* Candidates must be familiar with Candidates are expected to know that there is Candidates must avoid this and
the Uniform Rules of Court and practice a process of “certification” in court which where possible, settle the claim as
directives relating to these claims. case manages these claims from issue to soon as possible.
* Case studies on RAF claims and hearing. There should be no “door
medical negligence claims. settlements”.
* How and when to engage an In new directives, door settlements
expert and the case management of may require the legal practitioners
experts before the matter is allocated a to forego their fees or, worse, pay
trial date (case management process). the fees of the parties.
11 Legal Practitioners Accounts See Annexure “E” See Annexure “E” 30 6 36
Management – Reg 4(1)(k)
Note 01: The Legal Practice
See Annexure “E” Management course is currently
Old content: provided by LEAD and may be
* Cash book. undertaken at any time after
* Ledgers. completion of this course.
* Transfer Procedures. Note 02: this programme coupled
STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020
* VAT. with the current book keeping
* Section 86 (3) and Section 86 (4) exams requires urgent review.
Trust Investments + Rules. Note 03: if an alternative
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* Conveyancing Transactions. programme, such as the above
* Correspondents Transactions and recommendation, is approved; then
Accounts. this need not be an elective course
* Trust Banking Accounts. and can be of uniform application,
Note that the above is a decades’ old not only for attorneys and
programme, roundly criticised for not advocates with trust accounts.
serving any useful purpose.
No. 43192 69
It has become outdated and irrelevant.
Suggested reviewed programme:
70 No. 43192
First Module
* How to use accounting software.
* Comprehensive training on the
management of trust funds and trust
accounts – the rules and obligations.
* Thorough knowledge of Sections
86 to 91 of the Legal Practice Act.
* The rules and requirements of the
Fidelity Fund.
* Applying for a Fidelity Fund
Certificate.
Second Module
* How to manage the finances of
one’s practice.
* How to manage personal finance.
Third Module
* Introduction to Legal Practice
Management
GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
12 Labour Dispute Resolution – Reg Expected Outcomes Note to Trainer 12 0 12
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4(1)(l)
Content: The candidate will understand the following: The course requires formative
assessments while candidates draft
Industrial Relations Framework. a) How to conduct consultations to statements of case, notices of
Identification of an employee get all the facts, especially to motion and founding affidavits for
Permanent employees. obtain a balanced understanding of the Labour Court, and appeals to
Temporary employees. any dispute between the parties. the Labour Appeal Court.
Disciplinary Proceedings and Hearings. b) How to identify an employee.
Dismissals. c) How to identify temporary and Summative assessments need to be
Bargaining Agents, Forums and permanent employees. open book exams in the sense that
Collective Bargaining. d) How to identify the difference candidates have access to the
Dispute resolution. between temporary employees and Labour Relations Act, the Basic
Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995. independent contractors: Chapter Conditions of Employment Act,
Basic Conditions of Employment Act. IX of the LRA. and the Employment Equity Act.
Employment Equity Act 75 of 1997. e) How to draft a statement of claim
Rules for the Conduct of Proceedings in ito Form 2, Rule 6 Referrals of the The summative assessment must
the Labour Court (GN 1665 of 1996: Labour Court Rules. establish whether the candidate can
GG 17495 of 14 Oct 1996) f) How to draft applications ito Form produce a valid pleading: it must
Rules for the Conduct of Proceedings in 4, Rule 7 Applications of the not rehash the LLB degree.
the Labour Appeal Court (GN 1666 of Rules.
1996: GG 17495 of 14 Oct 1996) g) Whether a dismissal complies with
Chapter VIII and Schedule 8:
Code of Good Practice: Dismissal
NB: The LSSA Manual on Labour of the LRA.
Dispute 2019 is a mini textbook. This
manual will have to be revised.
13 Alternative Dispute Resolution – Expected Outcomes Note to Trainer 6 0 6
Reg 4(1)(m)
Content: The candidate must understand the following: The course requires formative
STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020
a) How to identify a conflict. assessments while candidates
Defining and understanding: - what is a b) The differences between negotiation, engage in case studies.
conflict. mediation, arbitration and litigation.
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Negotiation. c) The pros and cons of negotiation, Summative assessments need to be
Mediation. mediation, arbitration and litigation. open book exams. Candidates have
Protection of Investment Act 22 of 2015, d) When is mediation appropriate? access to the Arbitration Act, the
section 13. e) When does mediation not work? International Arbitration Act and
Arbitration. f) How arbitration differs to litigation. section 13 of the Protection of
Arbitration Act 42 of 1965 and the g) Is arbitration appropriate for organs of Investment Act 22 of 2015.
International Arbitration Act 15 of 2017. state that are audited by the Auditor General?
No. 43192 71
The role of ADR in litigation.
The LSSA Manual on Alternative
Dispute Resolution.
72 No. 43192
14 Wills and Estates – Reg 4(1)(n) 18 4 22
Content: Expected Outcomes Note to Trainer
Wills. The candidate must understand the following: The course requires formative
The Wills Act 7 of 1953 a) How to conduct a comprehensive assessments while candidates
The Trust Property Control Act 57 of consultation with clients before engage in drafting wills.
1988. advising on the law of succession
Drafting Wills. and drafting a will. Summative assessments need to be
Taking instructions, what one needs to b) How to draft a will. open book exams.
know to draft a will. Proper consultation. c) How to draft a living will.
The role of sound literacy skills. d) How to apply the Trust Property Candidates must have access to the
Interpreting (archaic) Wills. Control Act to trusts established in Wills Act, the Trust Property
Drafting Living Wills. a will. Control Act, the Intestate
Does the National Health Act 61 of 2003 e) How to apply the Intestate Succession Act and the Reform of
make provision for a living will? Succession Act. Customary Law of Succession and
Testate and Intestate Succession. f) How to apply the Administration Regulation of Related Matters Act.
Intestate Succession Act 81 of 1987. of Estates Act from reporting the
Maintenance of Surviving Spouses Act estate to the final liquidation and
27 of 1990 distribution account.
Recognition of Customary Marriages Act g) How to apply the Estate Duty Act.
GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
120 of 1998 h) Candidates must be familiar with
Reform of Customary Law of Succession the other legislation mentioned in
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and Regulation of Related Matters Act the first column.
11 of 2009.
Administration of deceased estates.
Administration of Estates Act 66 of 1965
Estate duty.
Estate Duty Act 45 of 1955.
15 Introduction to E- Commerce and
application of the Electronic
Communications and Transactions Expected Outcomes Note to Trainers 3 0 3
Act 25 of 2002, including the use of
electronic signatures – Reg 4(1)(o) This module is intended to introduce The trainer for this module must be
Content: candidates to the ever-changing world of an experienced practitioner who is
A discussion on the content of “ECTA”, digital technologies and how this impacts on routinely involved in digital
the Electronic Communications and the work of practitioners, how clients access commerce.
Transactions Act 25 of 2002. legal services and the impact on how
What is an electronic signature? How to contracts are drafted and concluded. This module will not be subject to
deal with these signatures in practice. any summative assessments.
What is an advanced signature and where It is important for candidates to understand
is it required in practice? what is meant by an electronic signature and
The effect of ECTA on drafting how this impacts on commercial transactions.
contracts, in particular “non-variation
clauses”.
The effect on business and legal practice
of the internet and cloud technology.
An introduction to Block Chain
technology and smart contracts.
Basic Business Transactions – Reg
4(1)(p) Expected Outcomes Note to Trainer
STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020
Content:
The seven main business transactions. The candidate must understand the following: Summative assessments need to be
* Sale of business a) How to identify the seven main business open book exams.
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* Sale of shares transactions. The instruction must focus on
* Lease of immovable property b) How to understand the peculiar candidates drafting their own
* Employment of an independent transaction client is engaged in. contracts without recourse to
contractor c) How to apply the general principles of precedents insofar as it relates to
* Partnership agreement contract from offer and acceptance to the transaction.
* Joint venture capacity and reciprocal obligations. Ensure candidates can understand
* Service level agreement d) How to negotiate, plan, draft and the difference between a sale and a
No. 43192 73
Good faith, public policy and legal administer a contract. lease: and, a partnership and a joint
certainty in drafting contracts. e) How to weigh key elements of the venture.
Performance and administration of contract like liabilities and debts, taxes, For a critical comparison of
business contracts. manageability and business growth with constitutionalism bringing potential
74 No. 43192
Remedies for breach of contracts. reciprocal obligations (rights and duties). uncertainty to contract law, see the
f) When and whether good faith is an article by Judge of Appeal Malcolm
NB. Responsible use of precedents is element of a contract: implied, tacit, Wallis ‘Commercial Certainty and
allowed. express or required by law – like case Constitutionalism: Are They
law. Compatible’ (2016) 133 SALJ 545.
Business Rescue – Reg 4(1)(q)
Content: Expected Outcomes Note to Trainer
Definition & purpose of business rescue The candidate must understand the following: Summative assessments need to be
Definition of financially distressed open book exams.
How to accomplish business rescue a) How business rescue in Chapter 6 of
Who may object to business rescue and the Companies Act is applied.
the grounds of objection? b) How to assess whether a company is Trainers need to discuss the pros
How an affected person applies to court financially distressed. and cons of business rescue and
for an order placing a company under c) The advantages and disadvantages of ensure candidates know the extent
supervision and commencing business business rescue generally. and effect of the moratorium on
rescue proceedings. d) How an affected person applies to legal proceedings and the
How a company may legally dispose of court to place a company under protection of the company’s
its property while under business rescue. business rescue. property interests.
GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
The order of preference of creditors e) What is the effect of such an order?
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when a company lacks money to meet its f) How to draft such founding affidavit. Candidates should know the
debts. g) How to draft an answering affidavit general powers of business rescue
against business rescue. practitioners.
Effects of business rescue on contracts: h) Who has preference in claims against
employees, shareholders and directors. the company under rescue? The rights and duties of the affected
Rights of employees during business i) The effect on contracts, employees, persons from employees, directors,
rescue. shareholders and directors. shareholders to creditors needs to
Participation by creditors and holders of j) Who has a right to participation in the be understood generally.
company securities. business rescue proceedings?
Requirements of a business rescue plan. k) The requirements of a business rescue Finally, the implementation of a
Implementing a business plan. plan. business plan must be understood
Consequences for failure to implement l) How a plan is implemented and the as well as the consequences for
the plan. consequences if it is not. default.
16 Constitutional law – Reg 4(1)(r) 6 3 9
Content: Expected Outcomes Note to Trainer
Introduction to Constitutional law and The candidate must understand the following: Summative assessments need to be
Customary law. For Customary Law see open book exams.
the online course below at item 20. a) How to conduct a comprehensive
Constitutional Law: consultation with clients before advising Candidates must have access to the
Jurisdiction of our courts to hear on the Constitution. Constitution, 1996 and the
constitutional matters. b) How to assess a constitutional issue. Constitutional Court Rules and the
The 2013 change to the jurisdiction of c) How to draft applications in terms of the Uniform Rules of Court.
the Constitutional Court. Rules of the Constitutional Court.
Introduction to the Rules and Directives d) How to draft applications for leave to
in the Constitutional Court. appeal to the Constitutional Court.
Eleven ways to get to the Constitutional e) How to explain and give clients advice
Court. about the remedies permitted ito the
STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020
Constitution.
How to enforce Constitutional rights.
How to advise clients about their
Constitutional rights, duties and
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obligations.
How to apply Chapter 2 of the Bill of
Rights and the limitations clause.
How to apply the rest of the Constitution
in giving advice to clients.
No. 43192 75
17 Legal Technology (Online) – Reg 0 6 6
4(1)(s) Expected Outcomes Note to Trainers
Content:
This module represents an introduction to the This module must be presented by a
76 No. 43192
This module is intended to introduce use of technology in a 21st century law practitioner in a practice that makes
candidates to the impact of technology practice. use of the latest technologies.
on legal practice. Trainers must impress on
Candidates must be aware of how a Candidates must understand how technology candidates that technology will
modern legal practice is set up and what has changed how consumers access legal constantly influence how we work
technologies avail practitioners. services. and serve our clients.
Candidates must be made aware of how Candidates must be encouraged constantly to There will not be any summative
technology has changed the way clients, keep up with the changes that flow from the assessments of this module.
or consumers, access legal services. This increasing use of technology in our practices.
must include how practitioners make use
of technology to market their firms and
remain relevant to their clients.
18 Introduction to practice 0 6 6
management (Online) – Reg 4(1)(t) Expected Outcomes Note to Trainers
Content:
This module is vital to candidates who seek This module must be presented by
The role of management eventually to open their own practices. an experienced practitioner who
Organisational behaviour started his or her own practice from
GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
Business plan scratch.
Marketing
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Financial management There will not be any summative
Administration assessments of this module.
Risk management
Personal management
Starting a practice
The attorney and insurance
19 Introduction to Cyber law (Online) Expected Outcomes Note to Trainer 0 6 6
– Reg 4(1)(u)
Content: Candidates will be able: Currently the cybersecurity course
a) to make adequate decisions about the is an online course.
Awareness of cyberattacks. technology required to sustain a
Protective risk management strategy. reasonable measure of cybersecurity Summative assessments are done
Data response plan. in the context of a law firm/practice, online during the course.
Chapter 1: Technology b) to have a good grasp of the
Chapter 2: Organisational processes organisational processes involved in a
Chapter 3: Staff training law practice to maintain adequate
Responsibility for personal/commercial cybersecurity, and,
information. c) to have an appreciation of what is
Specific cyber security tips. required to keep all staff in a law
practice, in particular – oneself – up-
The future of artificial intelligence as a to-date with the essential elements of
boon and a threat to legal practitioners. cybersecurity.
20 Customary Law (Online) – Reg Expected Outcomes Note to Trainer 0 4 4
4(1)(v)
Content: After having studied this study unit, Currently, the Customary Law
candidates are able to: course is an online course.
STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020
Customary law in the context of the a) explain the concept customary law
Constitution, 1996 b) differentiate between living customary Summative assessments are done
The anomaly of the Bhe decision (living law and official customary law online during the course.
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versus official customary law) c) differentiate between customary law
Marriages ito customary law – section 15 and common law
of the Constitution d) Analyse the significance of customary
Language and culture – section 30 of the law in relation to the Constitution
Constitution e) Give advice about customary law
Traditional leadership – ss 211 & 212 of marriages.
the Constitution f) Give advice about inheritance and
succession under customary law.
No. 43192 77
Social structure of indigenous g) Give advice about land and property
communities rights.
Succession and inheritance
Land and property rights
78 No. 43192
21 Numeracy skills training – Reg 0 6 6
4(1)(w) Expected Outcomes Note to Trainer
Content:
After having studied this study unit, Be patient with candidates. There
The numerical system candidates will be able to: is no exam for numeracy skills.
Basic symbols and terminology in a) understand Roman numerals and
mathematics writing and reading numbers; The trainer must be competent in
b) The windows calculator, the ordinary teaching mathematics to adults.
Using your calculator calculator and the scientific calculator;
Basic calculations c) Addition, subtraction, multiplication There will not be any summative
Order of calculations and division; assessments of this module.
Rounding off d) Rounding off, fractions and the
Substitution into formulae concept of the lowest common
denominator;
Introduction to fractions e) Adding, subtracting, multiplying and
Adding and subtracting fractions dividing fractions.
Multiplying and dividing f) Calculating interest and VAT;
Fractions, decimals and percentages g) Understand proportions, ratios and
Percentage increase and decrease proportional allocation; and
GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
h) Apportionment of damages.
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Value Added Tax and averages
Simple and compound interest
Proportional allocation
Introduction to ratios
Comparing ratios
Proportional allocation
Apportionment of damages
22 Legal Costs – Reg 4(1)(x) Expected Outcomes Note to Trainer 6 0 6
Content:
Section 35(4) of the Legal Practice Act After having studied this module, candidates Summative assessments may be
provides that the SALRC must will be able to: done online during the course.
investigate legal costs and report to the
Minister within two years. Until then the a) explain the concept of legal costs;
tariffs determined by the Rules Board for b) differentiate non-litigious matters and
Courts of Law apply. litigious matters;
In the interim the content of the module c) give a client an accurate estimate of
is as follows: the costs of a matter concerning fees
The concept of “legal costs” and disbursements to the sheriff,
non-litigious matters counsel and expert witnesses (if any);
civil litigious matters d) understand and apply the law about
Early advice to client and estimate of contingency fees;
costs e) understand the need to keep proper
Estimate of fees and disbursements accounting records;
Mandate f) understand the need to account to
Taking a deposit client in terms of the mandate between
Contingency fees client and attorney;
Retainers g) understand the different costs orders
Agreed fees and be able to explain the orders to a
Ethics in relation to costs client;
overreaching h) draw a bill of costs;
STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020
undercharging i) attend at taxation and give a useful
recovery / attempted recovery of and meaningful response to the Taxing
costs for work not strictly Master on items in the Bill of Costs.
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necessary
Keeping proper accounting records
Failure to render accounts
Different cost orders
party and party costs
attorney and client costs
attorney and own client costs
No. 43192 79
costs de bonis propriis
wasted costs
reserved costs / costs to stand
over
80 No. 43192
costs in the cause
costs of the day
all costs/costs/taxed costs
no order made / no order as to
costs
specific cost orders
Settlement agreements
Payments into court and tenders
Cost consultants
settling of bills of cost
formal requirements for taxation
notice of taxation
taxability of costs
appearance on taxation
interest on a taxed allocatur
consent to taxation
Review of taxation
GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
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OPTIONAL COURSES
The LPC will have to accredit institutions to provide the two options below. The LPC can anticipate applications for the options below. The
structured course work and the norms and standards appear below. These courses will be attended by practitioners as well.
23 Optional courses:
Expected Outcomes Note to Trainer
a) Advanced Trial Advocacy – 5 days (40 hrs)
This is a structured course as contemplated in The trial advocacy training will ensure that: The course requires formative assessments
Section 25 (3) (a) of the LPA and rule 19.2. while candidates engage in mock trials.
The programme must satisfy the requirement of a) Candidates appreciate and understand The trainer must identify the following six
40 hours, minimum. how to conduct trials with confidence steps during the training and require the
despite their natural nervousness when candidate to repeat the drill.
Advocacy is a performance skill. performing in court. 1. Headnote – a catchy phrase to
The course is divided into four parts: the first b) Candidates will be able to assess facts identify only one fault in the
two parts comprise theory: the last two parts are that are in their client’s favour and candidate’s performance.
performances in a mock trial situation under against their client’s case. 2. Playback – repeat exactly the phrase
supervision as indicated in the third column, c) Equally, candidates will be able to the candidate used which requires
notice to trainers. assess facts that favour the other improvement.
Part one, how to assess facts. Fact analysis. litigant in the case as well as facts that 3. Rationale – explain the nature of the
Part two, how to adopt a strategy for trial, aka a do not favour the other litigant. problem and why the performance
trial theory: a candidate will learn the essential d) Candidates will have a good grasp of needs improvement.
difference between a leading question (for use in the Good fact – Bad fact assessment. 4. Prescription – a clear pithy statement
STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020
cross-examination) and a valid question in The model assesses good and bad facts of how the performance can be
leading a witness (the who, what, when, where, for each party independently, first for improved.
why, how and how much questions). the plaintiff and then for the defendant. 5. Demonstration – the trainer shows
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Part three, performing in the mock trial as e) Candidates will be able to present an the candidate how to perform.
counsel for plaintiff and/or defendant: one day a opening statement. 6. Replay – then candidates immediately
candidate will be counsel for plaintiff, the next f) Candidates will be able to conduct an repeat the critical part of their
counsel for defendant et cetera. examination-in-chief using, inter alia, performance to show they have
Part four, cross-examination in a mock criminal the piggy-back or looping method. grasped the lesson. The replay must be
law trial: all candidates will practice this session. g) Candidates will be able to conduct short and to the point.
cross-examination in civil cases. The method requires all candidates to be
No. 43192 81
The theory and mock trial performances deal h) Candidates will understand that leading present for each performance. Learning is
with: questions are permissible ONLY in incremental and each candidate learns from
• Opening statement cross-examination. other candidates’ performances.
• Examination-in-chief i) Candidates will be able to conduct Candidates must also be witnesses in the
82 No. 43192
• Cross-examination (civil & criminal) cross-examination in criminal cases. mock trials while they are not performing as
• Re-examination (to be avoided) The core duty in criminal cases is to counsel in the mock trial. Accordingly,
• Final argument put the version of the accused to the candidates must read the trial exercises
witnesses for the State. Failure to do so carefully and have a thorough recollection of
NB: it is assumed that the candidates have an renders the accused at risk of being the role each witness plays in the mock trial.
adequate knowledge of the rules of court, the found guilty as charged. NB the trainers will be responsible for both
rules of evidence, how to draft pleadings and j) Candidates will understand why re- formative and summative assessments of the
heads of argument, and a good grasp of ethics. examination is not advised. candidates. The standard of such assessment
k) Finally, candidates will be able to must be approved by the LPC.
It is also assumed that candidates will read the present a coherent final argument at the At the end of the training a candidate must
trail exercises properly before attending the trial end of the trial. receive a certificate of competence in terms
advocacy course. of Rule 19.2.4.
b) Advanced drafting course – 5 days The Expected Outcomes Note to Trainers
Content:
Candidates must receive practical training in the Candidates are expected to have a working This module is an intensive course.
following skills: knowledge of how to draft.
Drafting Pleadings Encourage candidates to write on their own
GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
Candidates must receive training in the following An assessment must be made using an open from day one. We encourage the use of case
disciplines: book format of examination combined with the studies. Give candidates a statement of fact
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a) How to obtain the facts and documents; assignments completed during the course. and require them to draft particulars of claim
b) How to sequence the facts and documents; on their own and without the assistance of
c) How to contextualise the matter in law; This course must be done after the candidate precedents.
d) Where to find the applicable law; completed the course on plain English writing.
e) How to apply the law to the facts of the The candidate must also be part of the literacy Candidates are expected to draft particulars of
case; programme which requires the candidate to claim in Contract and Delict. Each effort must
f) How to work out the cause of action or read and complete one book per month. be assessed by a trainer and candidates must
defence. be encouraged to repeat the draft until they
get it right. This is time consuming and
Drafting skills trainers are to impress upon candidates that
With the use of case studies, candidates must they are expected to work long hours and at
draft the following: home to complete case studies.
a) Be able to write down the material facts of
the case; The trainer for this module must have more
b) Be able to recognise the material elements than 10 years’ experience or a comparable
of the cause of action or defence; level of expertise in drafting for litigation.
c) Be able to use this to prepare a rough draft
of particulars of claim’;
d) Draft particulars of claim with reference to
the Uniform Rules and practice directives;
e) Draft particulars of claim with reference to
the peculiar facts of the case;
f) Draft particulars of claim without reference
to precedents.
g) Be able to draft a plea with reference to the
Uniform Rules and practice directives;
h) Be able to draft a version setting out a
defence to plaintiff’s claim.
i) Candidates must be introduced into
drafting statements of claim and statements
of defence.
STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020
Motion Court Note to Trainers
Candidates must learn the following skills:
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This module requires trainers with at least 10
a) To assess the facts and the law to decide years of experience or a comparable level of
whether a matter may be dealt with in an expertise in drafting motion papers.
application rather than an action. When is a
dispute of fact not capable of being We recommend the use of case studies where
adjudicated on the papers? candidates must draft on their own under
b) To draft notices of motion; including long supervision of a trainer.
No. 43192 83
and short form notices as well as two-part
notices of motion. A notice of motion in We recommend that one of the case studies
search and seizure applications (Anton include drafting papers for an interdict.
Piller).
84 No. 43192
c) To draft a founding affidavit. This must This is an intensive course and requires
include the recommended layout in the intensive application by trainers. We therefore
Uniform Rules and practice directives. recommend that no more than 20 candidates
Candidates must learn how to set out the be accommodated per 5-day session.
cause of action and the supporting
evidence and be able to provide
justification for the order sought.
d) To draft an answering affidavit. The most
effective layout must be explained
including how to set out a version that will
answer an applicant’s case.
e) To draft a replying affidavit. It must be
short and only drafted if strictly necessary.
f) To know how to use annexures. Avoid
bulky documents and ones not strictly
necessary to support the deponent’s case.
g) Candidates must know how to apply the
Plascon-Evans test.
Heads of Argument
GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
Candidates must be familiar with the layout and
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method of drafting the different types of heads of
argument (concise heads; comprehensive heads;
main heads of argument (SCA) and written
argument (CC)).
The following must be in this module:
a) The typical layout of heads of argument;
b) The method to be used in Applications;
c) The method to be used in Trials;
d) The method to be used in Appeals and
Reviews.
e) Candidates must know how to draft
chronology documents to be filed with
heads of argument.
Candidates must know the relevant Rules and
practice directives; in particular regarding page
limitations and the prohibition of copying and
pasting from authorities.
Writing Opinions Note to Trainers
Candidates must learn how to set out and write It is recommended that candidates be given a
an opinion. simple opinion to write under supervision of
the trainer.
Course content
The following must be in this module:
a) The modern method of setting out an
opinion.
b) Understanding the question.
c) The need to answer the question and provide
recommendations.
STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020
d) An efficient approach to legal research.
e) How to write short opinions.
f) How to justify your position with reference
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to the facts and the law.
No. 43192 85
General notes for the Legal Practice Council
Candidate legal practitioners (candidates) must score a minimum of 50% to pass any assessment, formative or summative.
86 No. 43192
Some of the courses require experienced practitioners of at least seven to ten years’ experience in practice. However, practitioners with a
comparable level of expertise, despite having served fewer years in practice, are welcome to assist with the training.
Provision is made in the text above for trainers with comparable experience.
GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
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STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020 No. 43192 87
Annexure E
LEGAL PRACTITIONER’S ACCOUNTS MANAGEMENT
Current Curriculum Relevant Section in Recommendations
content Legal Practice Act
Chapter 1 – Introduction
Bookkeeping and Accounting Rule 54.6 – A Legal In light of Rule 54 is seems as if
Practitioner shall have the Legislature envisioned that an
and keep Business and attorneys firm should go further
Trust Account than to do the mere bookkeeping
transactions as are of transactions (as described by
necessary to enable the Rule 54.6.2) they should further
firm to satisfy its have accounting records which is
obligations in terms of the in line with IFRS and IFRS for
Act, these rules and any SME’s (Rule 54.6) and Records
other law with respect to showing all assets and liabilities
the preparation of (Rule 54.6.1). Practitioners need
financial statements that an understanding that there is a
present fairly and in reporting standard; but are not
accordance with expected to actually comply
Acceptable financial themselves. An accountant will
reporting framework in prepare the books accordingly.
South Africa
Rule 54.6.1. Records
showing all assets and
liabilities as required in
terms of Section 87
Rule 54.6.2 Records
containing entries from
day to day of all moneys
received and paid by it on
its own account
What is a Business? Section 34(5) This is still relevant and explains
that a Legal Practitioner can act
on their own account, as part of a
juristic entity, Law Clinic, Legal
Aid, State. It also gives the forms
of business enterprise for the
previously known “Advocates”.
Difference between owner and In this section we might take the
Business opportunity to introduce the
Personal Finance Management
as suggested and perhaps
include budgets, cash flow
forecasts on a personal finance
level. This will also reduce the
risks associated with maintaining
Trust Accounts.
The Bookkeeping Process This is still very relevant and must
be included in the curriculum as it
explains the double entry
bookkeeping system.
The Cash Book Rule 54.6.2 for recording This is the starting point of all
Day to day transactions; Cash transactions and must be
Rule 54.8 Keeping Trust explained to students
and Business accounts
separate
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88 No. 43192 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
Annexure E
LEGAL PRACTITIONER’S ACCOUNTS MANAGEMENT
Balances Brought Down This is the balancing of T-
Accounts and will have to be
explained to students to get an
understanding of what is balance
of an account at the end of the
month. The current teaching of T-
accounts is outdated and must be
replaced with a more modern or
relevant accounting system such
as Excel using a debit and credit
column.
Debit and Credits This also needs to be explained
as students will have to complete
the double entry bookkeeping
system which started with the
Cash book.
Chapter 2 – Cash Book Rule 54.6.2 ; Rule
54.14.13, Rule 54.14.14
Basic cashbook principals, This is still very relevant as this is
recording transactions the first leg of the double entry
bookkeeping system and the
starting point of writing up
transactions where movement of
money is involved.
We would however like to see
that the notes make mention of
the different types of deposits that
we get, for example credit cards,
perhaps discuss the do’s and
don’ts for cell phone banking,
electronic payments and banking
apps etc. Instead of cheques.
Balancing of cash books Still relevant
Bank reconciliation statements Still relevant for purposes of
and Supplementary Cash books understanding why one needs to
do this. But needs to be revised in
the light of available software.
Extracting a list of Trust Creditors Rule 54.15.1, Rule This is very important to ensure
54.14.8 that you always have enough
money in your Trust Account to
cover your liabilities towards
clients. The current notes have to
be revised to emphasise the
importance of this.
Chapter 3 – Petty Cash
How to record petty cash This is still being used in practice
and students should know how to
implement internal controls to
manage petty cash correctly.
They require the theory.
Chapter 4 – Journals
Chapter 6 – Transfer Journal
and Transfer Procedures
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STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020 No. 43192 89
Annexure E
LEGAL PRACTITIONER’S ACCOUNTS MANAGEMENT
Transfer journals Rule 54.14 Internal This is an important aspect of
Controls- Rule 54.14.12 attorneys bookkeeping as the
Trust moneys will now be
transferred into your Business
account and could create a Trust
deficit if you are not careful.
Trust Journals How to deal with Trust errors and
with transactions where money
should be transferred from one
client to another within the
practice
Fee Journals Section 35 Fees will become even more
important as we move forward
under the LPA. Section 35
(which is not in effect yet) will
prescribe tariffs for attorneys.
Further we need to also include
contingency fees and the
practical working thereof under
this heading. (Section 35(12))
We would also like to see a
section on time management and
the recording of time as a Legal
Practitioner as well as how to
deal with your time on Pro-Bono
matters.
Chapter 5 - Ledgers As these are the books of
secondary entry, the practitioners
need to understand this process
to give effect to the double entry
bookkeeping system and therefor
this should also be kept in the
curriculum.
Chapter 6 – Transfer Journals
(as discussed under Chapter 4)
Chapter 7 – Value Added Tax This is still a very relevant topic
and should be included in the
curriculum as it also goes hand-
in-hand with fees as well.
Chapter 8 - Investments Section 86(3); section Investments on behalf of the
86(4) and Section 55 LPFF and for the client’s benefit
should still be discussed in detail
and we would put a little more
emphasis on the theory aspect
thereof as well. Further with
regards to Section 55 Investment
Practices, I think we should
discuss this in more detail in the
notes and especially the FAIS
requirements thereof.
Chapter 9 - Conveyancing This is still a very relevant and
important part of attorneys’
practices and also the area where
there is a lot of risk involved. The
practical writing up of the
accounts are still relevant as well
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90 No. 43192 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
Annexure E
LEGAL PRACTITIONER’S ACCOUNTS MANAGEMENT
as the theoretical aspect thereof.
We intend to include due
diligence for purposes of
transferring funds and making
payments to client. Avoids fraud.
Chapter 10 – Correspondent Code of Conduct; Part III This will still need to be
Transactions Conduct of Attorneys; addressed in the notes however
Rule 12 Sharing of fees; the notes have to be amended to
Rule 14 Payment of reflect the current practice in
commission; Rule 19 appointing correspondents. In
particular Practitioners need an
understanding of how fees and
disbursements are managed
when a correspondent is
engaged. Fee sharing and
payment of commission as well
as pro-bono work should be dealt
with under this heading.
Chapter 11 - Theory This chapter in the current
curriculum discusses the theory
surrounding all of the above,
however we find that students
hardly ever go through this
chapter in preparation for the
exam. We would prefer if the
theory is included in the relevant
sections before the practical
writing up of the books are done
for the specific topic.
Our Remarks 1. In our view the content of
the curriculum is still very
relevant to the Legal
Practice act and complies
with the Act and rules.
2. It is our opinion that the
current notes should be
modernised and maybe
be reorganised to some
extent to get the students
to buy into the fact that
practitioner’s accounts
management is still
relevant for purposes of
conducting a practice.
We further propose the 3. It is further our opinion
following be dealt with: that the Assessment
method should perhaps
a) Trust and Business be changed. We would
concepts and the suggest that the written
understanding thereof, exam should place more
which includes the emphasis on the theory
identification of Trust and part of the curriculum
Business funds, and then there should
transactions and ledger be an online assignment
accounts. where students should
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STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020 No. 43192 91
Annexure E
LEGAL PRACTITIONER’S ACCOUNTS MANAGEMENT
b) The concepts of Value, write up a set of books
(money, goods and in Excel by recording
services). transactions as per case
c) Accounting for study which would be
disbursements. provided.
d) Accounting to clients. This can be part of the
e) The trust reconciliation formative assessment.
statement.
f) Compliance with the Act
and Rules.
g) Personal Injury and
accident claims matters.
h) Administration and
collection matters.
i) Litigation (high court and
magistrates court)
matters.
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92 No. 43192 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
Annexure F
APPEAL
AGAINST THE DECISION BY THE LEGAL PRACTICE COUNCIL
NOT TO GRANT THE APPLICANT ACCREDITATION AS A TRAINING INSTITUTION
Name of Appellant (Applicant):
Date of application for accreditation:
Date of decision by the Legal Practice Council:
Attach the reasons given by the Legal Practice Council:
Attach the grounds for the appeal:
Date and signature of receipt by the Appeals Committee:
Appeal case number allocated upon receipt:
The Appellant (Applicant) will receive the decision of the Appeals Committee within twenty
business days of the receipt of the appeal by the Appeals Committee.
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STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020 No. 43192 93
LEGAL PRACTICE COUNCIL
NOTICE 227 OF 2020
227 Legal Practice Act (28/2014) as amended: Application for accreditation to present practical vocational training structured programmes 43192
NATIONAL OFFICE
Thornhill Office Park
Building 20
94 Bekker Street
Vorna Valley, Midrand
1686
Tel: 010 001 8500
Date: 23 March 2020
THE SOUTH AFRICAN LEGAL PRACTICE COUNCIL
NOTIFICATION FOR COMMENT: APPLICATION FOR ACCREDITATION TO PRESENT
PRACTICAL VOCATIONAL TRAINING STRUCTURED PROGRAMMES
All interested parties are invited to comment on the draft Guidelines for application for accreditation to be
made to the South African Legal Practice Council (“Council”) to present the Practical Vocational Training
(“PVT”) structured programmes for the year 2021 and thereafter.
The draft Guidelines are published herewith for comment.
All interested parties are called upon to submit their comments to Council in writing within a period of 30 days
from the date of publication of this notice.
All comments must be sent by email to
[email protected] on or before 03 May 2020.
SIGNED AT PRETORIA THIS 23rd DAY OF MARCH 2020
Ms Hlaleleni Kathleen Dlepu
Chairperson: Legal Practice Council
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: Ms Kathleen Matolo-Dlepu (Chairperson) │Adv Anthea Platt SC (Deputy Chairperson)│
Adv. Greg Harpur SC │Ms Trudie Nichols │Mr Lutendo Sigogo │Mr Jan Stemmett │Adv. Phillip Zilwa SC
Executive Officer: Ms Charity Nzuza
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94 No. 43192 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
PROGRAMME OF STRUCTURED COURSE
WORK
THE NORMS AND STANDARDS
APPROVED BY THE LEGAL PRACTICE
COUNCIL
APPLICATION FOR ACCREDITATION
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STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020 No. 43192 95
LEGAL PRACTICE COUNCIL
Applications for Accreditation to present the programme of structured course work for Practical
Vocational Training
GENERAL GUIDELINES
The requirements for the transformation and restructuring of the legal profession are set out in
the Legal Practice Act. Central to this is the building of a legal profession that broadly reflects
the diversity and demographics of South Africa, and is accountable, efficient, and independent,
and upholds the rule of law, the administration of justice and the Constitution of the Republic
(section 5 of the Legal Practice Act).
The building of such a system necessitates, among other things, the promotion of high standards
of legal education and training, compulsory post-qualification professional development,
continuing legal education and trial advocacy training not only in public universities, but also in
organisations and institutions accredited by the Legal Practice Council: such courses need to be
accessible and sustainable training courses for law graduates aspiring to be admitted and enrolled
as legal practitioners having due regard to our inherited legacy and the aspirations of the new
constitutional dispensation.
The accreditation of training institutions and organisations applies only to those institutions that
offer training programmes that contribute to the qualification of legal practitioners and candidate
legal practitioners. Accreditation means that an institution is granted the legal authority to offer
duly accredited programmes.
The aim of accrediting these training institutions and individuals is to ensure that-
(a) all accredited institutions offer a high quality of legal education as determined by the
norms and standards applied by the Legal Practice Council;
(b) all accredited institutions provide accessible and sustainable training of law
graduates aspiring to be admitted and enrolled as legal practitioners;
(c) all accredited institutions have the resources, capacity and expertise to deliver
accredited programmes;
(d) all accredited institutions will develop programmes in order to empower historically
disadvantaged legal practitioners, as well as candidate legal practitioners;
(e) all accredited institutions warrant that the candidate legal practitioners trained by
them have attained an adequate level of competence as determined in the rules, for
admission and enrolment as legal practitioners; and,
(f) the system continues on a path of transformation in accordance with the design of the
Legal Practice Act and complementary government policy and regulation.
Accreditation can be seen as a means of protecting the integrity of the legal system and the
interests of the public and the Constitution of the Republic.
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96 No. 43192 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
Chapter 2 of the Legal Practice Act deals specifically with training organisations and institutions.
The Regulations for the accreditation of such institutions, of which this guide and the application
form are an appendix, provide the legal framework within which the Legal Practice Council is
required to regulate the accreditation of private institutions.
Section 6 of the Legal Practice Act empowers the Council to provide financial support to
organizations or institutions providing legal education and training. Accordingly, as part of their
application for accreditation, training institutions and organizations are required to include an
application for any funding required, and to furnish a full breakdown of that funding, what it
pertains to, the items in respect of which it is estimated that funding will be spent, and the
estimated amount per trainee that is requested compared with the estimated cost per trainee of
providing the accredited training.
MORE SPECIFIC GUIDELINES
Introduction
These are the guidelines for prospective applicants desiring to apply for accreditation to the
Legal Practice Council (“the Council”).
All interested parties must apply for accreditation to the Council to present the Practical
Vocational Training (“PVT”) structured programmes for the year 2021 and thereafter. Those
parties who have already received accreditation for the year 2020 must treat such accreditation as
valid only for this year. Accreditation henceforth will be valid for two years and must be
renewed biennially. The Council may withdraw accreditation at any time should an applicant fail
to abide by the terms of the accreditation.
The Guidelines
The purpose of these guidelines is to assist applicants to apply for accreditation. The guidelines
are the following:
• In Part A the application process is set out: this includes the prescribed forms to be
completed. Part A commences with the logistical requirements and contains the
minimum standards applicants have to meet.
• The logistical requirements stipulated by the Council will be subject to verification
and inspection by officials from the Council.
• Applicants must submit details of their proposed trainers and presenters. The Council
provides minimum standards and guidelines for teaching and training methods.
• In Part B the required curriculum and details of the course work are set out.
Applicants must comply with the structured course work approved by the Council.
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STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020 No. 43192 97
• The Council will approve or reject the applicant’s curriculum and course content.
Applicants must comply with the Council’s norms and standards set out below.
• Applicants have a right of appeal should the Council not accredit such applicant as a
training institution.
PART A
Logistical Requirements
All applicants will have to meet the following requirements:
a) There must be a comfortable teaching and learning environment;
b) There must be a classroom or lecture venue capable of accommodating the number of
candidates the applicant wishes to train;
c) The classroom must be capable of being used as a moot court;
d) The availability of break-away rooms for candidates to work on case studies.
Provision must be made for at least 4 small break-away rooms;
e) There must be access to basic text books and relevant legislation;
f) There must be access to the internet for research purposes;
g) The lecture room must be fitted with data projectors and screens with audio facilities;
h) A computer room must be established to assist candidates to use technology;
i) There must be access to refreshments;
j) Ablution facilities must be provided;
k) A rest area must be provided.
Site Visits
Applicants are informed that the Council will conduct site visits, upon reasonable notice to the
training institution, to verify that minimum standards are met.
Training and Teaching Personnel
The Council will require that all teaching and training personnel be drawn from the ranks of
experienced practitioners. Applicants will be required to provide full details of all trainers and
teachers to be deployed. All trainers and teachers are expected to meet the norms and standards
published by the Council. Minimum standards for teaching methods are stated below in Part B.
Non-Refundable Fee
Applicants will be expected to pay the following fees:
a) A non-refundable fee to be paid on application for accreditation; and
b) A non-refundable fee to be paid on annual renewal of accreditation.
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98 No. 43192 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
c) The fee payable on application for accreditation is R5 000 and must accompany the
application. Absent payment, the application will not be processed.
d) The fee payable for any renewal is R2 500 and must accompany applications for
renewal of accreditation.
e) All fees will be subject to review by the Council.
Application Form
Applicants should complete the Application Form after having read these Guidelines. The
Application Form is a separate document appended at the end of the Guidelines. See the
document entitled APPLICATION FOR ACCREDITATION AS A TRAINING INSTITUTION (In
terms of s 6(5)(g) of the Legal Practice Act 28 of 2014).
PART B
Curriculum and Structured Course Work
All applicants are required to provide details of the structured course work to be offered to
candidate legal practitioners. The following is expected:
a) A full description of every course on offer with details of the course content;
b) Applicants must produce and present their course materials and manuals. Note,
course materials must be written by the applicants.
c) Applicants must present a timetable for the whole PVT programme, indicating the
required hours of study and how those hours are earned. There must be an indication
of how many hours of class study, case studies, independent study and on-line study
are proposed.
d) The applicant is expected to provide a brief and clear statement of what the candidate
can expect to achieve on successful completion of each course (outcomes).
e) Applicants must satisfy the Council that they can comply with the norms and
standards. The Council will assess the teaching methodology.
Guidelines for Teaching Methods
The following are the basic guidelines for teaching and training candidate legal practitioners
(“candidates”) in the PVT programme and optional programmes. This is not an exhaustive list:
applicants are encouraged to develop their own training methods. Please note: the Council does
not expect applicants to redo the LLB.
a) An appropriate and well-managed presentation; reading to candidates from books
and legislation serves no practical purpose;
b) Instructors must remain relevant to the content being dealt with;
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STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020 No. 43192 99
c) Instructors must focus on the candidates’ understanding of the concepts and how
to apply this in practice;
d) Instructors must engage candidates by asking questions and calling for comment:
candidates must be encouraged to ask questions and participate;
e) Instructors must impress upon candidates that any drafting assignments be carried
out without assistance and without the use of precedents;
f) The course must be subdivided into appropriate units, lessons or modules;
g) A sequential exposition is a must, with new material building on previous
material;
h) The use of a variety of approaches, including summaries, visual material and
illustrative examples to illuminate particular concepts is encouraged;
i) All instructors are to make candidates aware of recent judgments and amendments
to legislation; and
j) The inclusion of clear instructions to guide candidates through the material.
k) Applicants must produce an assessment questionnaire for candidates who must
complete the questionnaire at the end of each course. Such questionnaires must be
filed and made available to the Council.
Fees for Training the PVT Programme
Applicants who intend to charge fees for attendance at PVT programmes must disclose the
amount in their application. Proposed fees are subject to Council approval.
Accreditation for Single Subjects or Coursework
Applicants may apply for accreditation to provide training and teaching for specialised courses
and not necessarily the whole PVT programme. Applications may be made for training of
candidates and admitted legal practitioners for certain specialised programmes.
a) The following is a list of such specialised courses:
- Trial Advocacy
- Legal Writing (for dispute resolution)
- Drafting commercial contracts
- Accounts management
- Business practice and management
- Wills and estates
- Conveyancing
- Notaries
b) The courses above are typically three to five-day courses and are intensive. The
course content and norms and standards are set by the Council. Applicants are
expected to provide full details of the curriculum, coursework and outcomes.
c) Applicants must disclose the fees for such training in the application: the fees are
subject to approval by the Council.
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100 No. 43192 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
Financial Information
The Council must be satisfied, at least for the period that accreditation is sought, that the
applicant is financially capable of sustaining the training programme. Accordingly, relevant
financial information is required from applicants in the application form. Although audited
financial statements are not required as part of the application, the Council reserves the right to
request audited financial statements should it deem such to be necessary.
Quality Control
The Council is mandated to carry out oversight regarding the quality of training provided by
applicants. Applicants are informed of the following:
a) A programme of quality control and oversight measures will be determined by the
Council and published to all interested parties.
b) Applicants will be subjected to regular inspection;
c) Council staff will attend programmes;
d) Poor or indifferent quality will result in termination of accreditation.
e) The Council is committed to continuous improvement. Applicants are encouraged
actively to improve course contents and training methods. The Council will release
regular notices or newsletters to deal with new training materials and how to deal
with changes and updates to the law and practice.
NORMS AND STANDARDS
Regulations 6(11) and 7(10) required the Council to provide training standardised in terms of
norms and standards for the structured PVT coursework. The anticipated regulation 4 requires
likewise. The document, setting out the required norms and standards, is annexed to these
Guidelines. All applicants for accreditation are expected to meet such standards.
Applicants are advised to prepare their applications for accreditation based on the norms and
standards published by the Council.
Certificate of Accreditation
The Council will issue all successful applicants for accreditation with a certificate of
accreditation. The certificate will contain the date of issuance of accreditation and the time
period during which the certificate remains valid.
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STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020 No. 43192 101
APPLICATION FOR ACCREDITATION AS A TRAINING INSTITUTION
(In terms of s 6(5)(g) of the Legal Practice Act 28 of 2014)
Note: Applicants must consult the document: A Guide for Completing the Application for Accreditation as a
Training Institution.
A ADMINISTRATIVE DATA
1 Legal name of the applicant
2 Particulars of authorised contact person or key individual
(a) Name
(b) Designation of contact person (e.g. Ms, Mr, Dr, Prof, etc.)
(c) Telephone number
(d) Email address
3 Postal address of the applicant
Code
4 Physical address and contact details of the applicant’s main office
Code
Telephone
E-mail address
5 Website address (if any)
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102 No. 43192 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
B COMPANY, VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATION OR OTHER PERSON
7 Legal name of the applicant (same as in Item 1)
8 Official trading name, abbreviation, acronym or translation (if applicable)
9 Type of juristic person
(if a voluntary association – universitas
personarum – attach its constitution)
10 Company registration number
(if applicable)
11 Particulars of the Management
(a) Chief Executive Officer or head of the training institution
(i) Name
(ii) Title
(iii) Identity number (passport number and citizenship if not South African)
(iv) Telephone number including cellular phone number, if available
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STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020 No. 43192 103
(b) Names and identity numbers of all the applicant's current directors or key individuals
Surname & Initials Title Designation Identity Number Passport number
12 Details of the applicant's accountant or accounts manager
(a) Name of the applicant's auditor
13 Tax and business registration details
(a) VAT Registration Number (if applicable)
(b) Income Tax Number (if applicable)
14 Applicant’s proposed tuition fees
Tuition fees Are fees to be charged? Amount LPC check
of the Training Institution
Yes No
Tuition fees for the whole State the amount of the fee for the
course whole course
Tuition fees for each course State the amount of the fee per
charged separately course
15 Payment of the non-refundable LPC fee for the accreditation application/renewal application
Payment to the Legal Practice Date paid LPC check
Council
Application for whole course R 5,000.00
accreditation
Application for renewal R 2,500.00
Application for select courses Amount to be determined by the
accreditation LPC
Application for renewal Amount to be determined by the
LPC
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104 No. 43192 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
C PARTICULARS OF LEARNING PROGRAMMES
16 Table 01: Programmes submitted to the LPC for accreditation in terms of the Legal Practice Act: On 26 October 2019
the LPC approved the Norms and Standards of the course content set out below in the left column of Table 01. Regulations
published in GG No. 41879 on 31 August 2018 concerning legal practitioners qualifying as attorneys or advocates, with or
without fidelity fund certificates – are to be read in conjunction with the approved course content of the practical vocational
training programme. To compare the course names, see Annexure C.
Name of programme in the Norms and List of Mode of Language Minimum Contact with
Standards approved by the LPC on 26 course delivery of duration students
October 2019 names instruction in hours
Taking Instructions and Obtaining a Mandate 1 Full- Part-
time time
Plain language Writing and Analytical 2
Thinking
Drafting Legal Documents – Pleadings & 3
Motions
Ethics for legal Practitioners 4
Civil Procedure & Trial Advocacy 5
Criminal Court Practice & Trial Advocacy 6
Insolvency practice 7
Drafting of Contracts 8
Matrimonial Matters & Divorce 9
Delictual Claims Including Personal Injury 10
Claims
Legal Practitioners Accounts Management 11
Labour Dispute Resolution 12
Alternative Dispute Resolution 13
Wills and Estates 14
Introduction to e-commerce and application of 15
ECTA including the use of electronic
signatures
Basic Business Transactions
Business Rescue
Constitutional law 16
Legal Technology (Online) 17
Introduction to practice management (Online) 18
Introduction to Cyber law (Online) 19
Customary Law (Online) 20
Numeracy skills training 21
Legal Costs 22
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STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020 No. 43192 105
Table 02: Optional courses
Name of programme Section Mode Language Minimum Contact with
(see Guide) and Rules of of duration students
delivery instruction in hours
Trial advocacy training programme Five-day course Full- Part-
(40 hours) time time
Advanced drafting course Five-day course
(40 hours)
Table 03: Proposed sites for programme delivery
Physical address Programmes to be delivered
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106 No. 43192 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
D STAFF AND STUDENT DATA
18 Table: 04: Total staff expected to be employed and students to be registered for practical legal training
programmes during the first year of operation. The data should be expressed as headcount only.
First intake Second intake Third (if any)
Students
Academic / head office staff
Full-time
Part-time
Support staff
Full-time
Part-time
Service staff
Full-time
Part-time
E FINANCIAL VIABILITY REPORTS AND LEGAL DOCUMENTS
19 ANNEXURE A: Annual financial statements.
20 ANNEXURE B: Occupational health and safety compliance audit report.
F DETAILS OF THE COURSE CURRICULA FOR THE APPROVED PROGRAMME
21 ANNEXURE C: Table to compare the LPC 26 October 2019 approved practical
vocational training programme with regulation 6 and 7 of R. 921 GG No. 41879, 31
August 2018
22 ANNEXURE D: Programme of structured course work. Norms and Standards approved
by the Legal Practice Council on 26 October 2019
23 ANNEXURE E: Accounting course. Norms and Standards approved by the Legal
Practice Council on 26 October 2019
24 ANNEXURE F: Appeal Form in the event an Applicant is aggrieved by a decision of the
Legal Practice Council. The Council will give reasons for the decision not to accredit an
Applicant as a training institution.
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STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020 No. 43192 107
I, ____________________________________________ declare that this application and the
documents and electronic documents submitted as evidence in part of this application are the
rightful property of the training institution. I accept the terms and conditions of the application
and grant permission to the Legal Practice Council to proceed with the invoicing and evaluation
of this application.
________________________ __________________
SIGNATURE DATE
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108 No. 43192 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
ANNEXURE A 1
(a) Annual financial statements
For purposes of applying for accreditation as a training institution, the applicant must prepare and
submit the annual financial statements for the previous financial year. The preparation and presentation of
the financial statements must comply with the requirements of the the Companies Act 71 of 2008 and the
Statements of GAAP. The financial statements must include the following:
- Accountant’s report
- Directors' report
- Balance sheet
- Income statement
- Cash-flow statement
- Summary of accounting policies
- Notes to the financial statements
The accountant’s report referred to above must comply with the following requirements:
(i) The accountant’s report
In the report, the accountant must express his/her opinion on the appropriateness of the management’s
use of the going concern assumption in their preparation of the applicant’s financial statements. The
accountant’s report must be available for public scrutiny. Further, the accountant must indicate whether or
not he/she concurs with the directors’ Financial Viability Statement referred to below.
(ii) Directors’ report
Any matter not dealt with in the balance sheet, statement of changes in equity, income statement, cash-
flow statement or notes thereto, must be dealt with in the directors’ report. Any post-balance sheet event
that is material to the appreciation of the financial position of the applicant, its changes in equity, and the
results of its operations and cash flows must also be tabled in the directors’ report.
Ideally the report should include, but not be limited to, the following aspects:
- Directors and secretary
- Principal activities/Nature of business
- Directors’ responsibilities
- Going concern assessment
- Operating results
- Dividends (if any)
- Review of operations
o Revenue
o Profit before tax
- Share capital
- Post-balance-sheet events
The text of the current document is is drawn from the Regulations for the Registration of Private Higher Education
Institutions, 2003: Annexures GN R335 of 2003 GG 24976 of 28 Feb 2003: F FINANCIAL VIABILITY REPORTS
AND LEGAL DOCUMENTS at ITEM 29.
So, the Council needs to consider the replacement of the auditor with an accountant.
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STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020 No. 43192 109
- Financial viability statement
The Chief Executive Officer, or an official of similar standing, must sign the directors’ report.
(b) Three-year financial forecasts
A new applicant who has not previously operated in any form whatsoever, must submit a three-year
financial forecast drafted by the applicant’s accountant. The three-year financial forecast must consist of
the following:
(a) Accountant's report
(b) Detailed assumptions
(c) Balance sheet
(d) Pro forma income statements for three years
(e) Pro forma cashflow statements for three years
(f) Explanatory notes to the financial forecasts
(aa) Detailed assumptions
These assumptions should serve as the basis for all the figures and calculations done in
the pro forma statements.
(bb) Balance sheet
This statement must, on analysis, be in a position to provide answers to the following
questions:
- What assets does the applicant own?
- How much does the applicant intend investing in the proposed operations?
- What are the applicant’s sources of funding?
- What is the proportion of debt to be incurred vis-a-vis own capital/equity?
(cc) Pro forma income statements
These statements must, on analysis, be able to show all the sources of the applicant’s
income and the amounts to be generated from each source. They must further indicate
how the applicant is to meet the following funding requirements (start-up expenditure
line items):
- Capital costs
- Classroom furniture and equipment
- Library facility
- Student support services
- Student financial aid
- Research
- Quality assurance and quality promotion
- Professional fees (legal, financial, etc.)
- Costs for developing tuition materials
- Systems design, purchase and implementation
- Promotion/Advertising/Marketing Costs
- Furniture
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110 No. 43192 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
- Electronic equipment (teaching and learning)
- Vehicles
- Staff recruitment
- Staff salaries
- Rent
- Travel
- Recreation
- Telecommunications
- Office consumables, etc.
(dd) Pro forma cash flow statements
These statements must indicate how much, during the first three years of operation,
the applicant expects to-
- generate for/from operating activities;
- generate for/from investing activities; and
- generate for/from financing activities.
(ee) Explanatory notes
Aspects that have not been dealt with as part of Assumptions, should be clearly
explained in this section. Where applicable, this section should include, but not be
limited to, the explanation of the following:
- Dividend policy (if any)
- Financing terms and conditions
- VAT treatment, etc.
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STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020 No. 43192 111
ANNEXURE B
Applicants are referred to the legislation below and are expected to comply; with
particular reference not only to employees but also to candidate legal practitioners in
attendance
Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993
8 General duties of employers to their employees
(1) Every employer shall provide and maintain, as far as is reasonably practicable, a working
environment that is safe and without risk to the health of his employees.
(2) Without derogating from the generality of an employer’s duties under subsection (1), the
matters to which those duties refer include in particular-
(a) the provision and maintenance of systems of work, plant and machinery that, as
far as is reasonably practicable, are safe and without risks to health;
(b) taking such steps as may be reasonably practicable to eliminate or mitigate any
hazard or potential hazard to the safety or health of employees, before resorting to personal
protective equipment;
(c) making arrangements for ensuring, as far as is reasonably practicable, the safety
and absence of risks to health in connection with the production, processing, use, handling,
storage or transport of articles or substances;
(d) establishing, as far as is reasonably practicable, what hazards to the health or
safety of persons are attached to any work which is performed, any article or substance which is
produced, processed, used, handled, stored or transported and any plant or machinery which is
used in his business, and he shall, as far as is reasonably practicable, further establish what
precautionary measures should be taken with respect to such work, article, substance, plant or
machinery in order to protect the health and safety of persons, and he shall provide the necessary
means to apply such precautionary measures;
(e) providing such information, instructions, training and supervision as may be
necessary to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety at work of his
employees;
(f) as far as is reasonably practicable, not permitting any employee to do any work or
to produce, process, use, handle, store or transport any article or substance or to operate any
plant or machinery, unless the precautionary measures contemplated in paragraphs (b) and (d), or
any other precautionary measures which may be prescribed, have been taken;
(g) taking all necessary measures to ensure that the requirements of this Act are
complied with by every person in his employment or on premises under his control where plant
or machinery is used;
(h) enforcing such measures as may be necessary in the interest of health and safety;
(i) ensuring that work is performed and that plant or machinery is used under the
general supervision of a person trained to understand the hazards associated with it and who have
the authority to ensure that precautionary measures taken by the employer are implemented; and
(j) causing all employees to be informed regarding the scope of their authority as
contemplated in section 37 (1) (b).
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112 No. 43192 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
ANNEXURE C: HOW TO UNDERSTAND THE APPROVED PROGRAMME NAMES
Table A shows the PVT courses from the perspective of the LPC approval dated 26 October 2019.
Table B shows the PVT courses from the perspective of Regulation 6 (candidate attorneys) and Regulation 7 (pupils).
Table A
Name of programme in the List in Names in regulations Regulation Names in regulations Regulation
Norms and Standards Annex B section section
approved by the LPC on 26 numbers numbers
October 2019
Taking Instructions and 1
Obtaining a Mandate
Plain language Writing and 2
Analytical Thinking
Drafting Legal Documents – 3 Legal writing and drafting 7(9)(g)
Pleadings & Motions
Ethics for legal Practitioners 4 Professional legal ethics 6(10)(b) Professional conduct & 7(9)(f)
legal ethics of advocates
Civil Procedure & Trial 5 High Court practice 6(10)(d) Advocacy skills, including 7(9)(b)
Advocacy trial & motion court
proceedings & attendance of
court proceedings
Magistrate’s Court practice 6(10)(e) Civil procedure 7(9)(d)
Criminal Court Practice & 6 Criminal Court practice 6(10)(f) Criminal procedure 7(9)(e)
Trial Advocacy
Insolvency practice 7
Drafting of Contracts 8 Drafting of contracts 6(10)(m)
Matrimonial Matters & 9 Matrimonial law 6(10)(k)
Divorce
Delictual Claims Including 10 Personal injury claims 6(10)(c)
Personal Injury Claims
Legal Practitioners Accounts 11 Attorneys’ bookkeeping 6(10)(i) For pupils intending to be 7(9)(a)
Management admitted as advocates
referred to in section
34(2)(b) of the Act,
bookkeeping as
contemplated in regulation
6(10)(i)
Labour Dispute Resolution 12 Labour dispute resolution 6(10)(g)
Alternative Dispute 13 Alternative dispute 6(10)(h) Alternative dispute 7(9)(c)
Resolution resolution resolution
Wills and Estates 14 Wills and estates 6(10)(j)
Introduction to e-commerce 15
and application of ECTA
including the use of electronic
signatures
Constitutional law 16 Constitutional practice 6(10)(a) Constitutional law & 7(9)(h)
Customary law
Legal Technology (Online) 17
Introduction to practice 18 Introduction to practice 6(10)(o)
management (Online) management
Introduction to Cyber law 19 Information & 6(10)(n)
(Online) communication technology 7(9)(i)
for practice, and associated
aspects of cyber law
Customary Law (Online) 20
Numeracy skills training 21
Legal Costs 22 Legal costs 6(10)(l)
Trial advocacy training 25(3)(a)(i)
programme Rule 19
Post-qualification 5(h),
professional development 6(1)(a)(ix),
& (5)(e),(g)
Continuing education and 6(5)(e)
training
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STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020 No. 43192 113
Table B
Name of programme in the Regulations Regulations Name of programme in the Norms and List in
Reg 6 listed from Standards approved by the LPC on 26 October Annex B
(10)(a) to (o) with Reg 2019
7 integrated into the
sequence of Reg 6.
Taking Instructions and Obtaining a Mandate 1
Plain language Writing and Analytical Thinking 2
Insolvency practice 7
Introduction to e-commerce and application of 15
ECTA including the use of electronic signatures
Legal Technology (Online) 17
Customary Law (Online) 20
Numeracy skills training 21
Constitutional practice 6(10)(a) Constitutional law 16
Constitutional law & Customary law 7(9)(h) Constitutional law 16
Customary Law 20
Professional legal ethics 6(10)(b) Ethics for legal Practitioners 4
Professional conduct & legal ethics of 7(9)(f) Ethics for legal Practitioners 4
advocates
Personal injury claims 6(10)(c) Delictual Claims Including Personal Injury Claims 10
High Court practice 6(10)(d) Civil Procedure & Trial Advocacy 5
Advocacy skills, including trial & motion court 7(9)(b) Civil Procedure & Trial Advocacy 5
proceedings & attendance of court proceedings
Magistrate’s Court practice 6(10)(e) Civil Procedure & Trial Advocacy 5
Civil procedure 7(9)(d) Civil Procedure & Trial Advocacy 5
Criminal Court practice 6(10)(f) Criminal Court Practice & Trial Advocacy 6
Criminal procedure 7(9)(e) Criminal Court Practice & Trial Advocacy 6
Labour dispute resolution 6(10)(g) Labour Dispute Resolution 12
Alternative dispute resolution 6(10)(h) Alternative Dispute Resolution 13
Attorneys’ bookkeeping 6(10)(i) Legal Practitioners Accounts Management 11
For pupils intending to be admitted as advocates 7(9)(a) Legal Practitioners Accounts Management 11
referred to in section 34(2)(b) of the Act,
bookkeeping as contemplated in regulation
6(10)(i)
Wills and estates 6(10)(j) Wills and Estates 14
Matrimonial law 6(10)(k) Matrimonial Matters & Divorce 9
Legal costs 6(10)(l) Legal Costs 22
Drafting of contracts 6(10)(m) Drafting of Contracts 8
Legal writing and drafting 7(9)(g) Drafting Legal Documents – Pleadings & Motions 3
Information & communication technology for 6(10)(n) Introduction to Cyber law (Online) 19
practice, and associated aspects of cyber law 7(9)(i)
Introduction to practice management 6(10)(o) Introduction to practice management (Online) 18
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114 No. 43192 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
Table C
Name of programme in the List in Names in new regulations Regulation
Norms and Standards Annex B about to be published section 4(1)
approved by the LPC on sub-
26 October 2019 paragraphs
Taking Instructions and 1 taking instructions and (a)
Obtaining a Mandate obtaining a mandate
Plain language Writing and 2 plain language writing and (b)
Analytical Thinking analytical thinking
Drafting Legal Documents – 3 drafting legal documents - (c)
Pleadings & Motions pleadings and motions
Ethics for legal Practitioners 4 ethics for legal practitioners (d)
Civil Procedure & Trial 5 civil procedure and trial (e)
Advocacy advocacy
Criminal Court Practice & 6 criminal court practice and (f)
Trial Advocacy trial advocacy
Insolvency practice 7 Insolvency practice (g)
Drafting of Contracts 8 drafting of contracts (h)
Matrimonial Matters & 9 matrimonial matters and (i)
Divorce divorce
Delictual Claims Including 10 delictual claims, including (j)
Personal Injury Claims personal injury claims
Legal Practitioners Accounts 11 legal practitioners’ account (k)
Management management
Labour Dispute Resolution 12 labour dispute resolution (l)
Alternative Dispute 13 alternative dispute resolution (m)
Resolution
Wills and Estates 14 wills and estates (n)
Introduction to e-commerce 15 introduction to E-commerce (o)
and application of ECTA and application of the
including the use of Electronic Communications
electronic signatures and Transactions Act, 25 of
2002, including the electronic
signatures
basic business transactions (p)
business rescue (q)
Constitutional law 16 constitutional law (r)
Legal Technology (Online) 17 legal technology (online) (s)
Introduction to practice 18 introduction to practice (t)
management (Online) management (online)
Introduction to Cyber law 19 introduction to cyber law (u)
(Online) (online)
Customary Law (Online) 20 customary law (online) (v)
Numeracy skills training 21 numeracy skills training (w)
Legal Costs 22
Trial advocacy training 25(3)(a)(i)
programme Rule 19
Post-qualification 5(h),
professional development 6(1)(a)(ix),
& (5)(e),(g)
Continuing education and 6(5)(e)
training
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ANNEXURE D
Programme of structured course work
Norms and Standards : Regulation 4(1) of the new regulations replacing regulations 6(11) and 7(10)
Subject and curriculum Outcomes Remarks 1 2 3
1 Taking Instructions and Obtaining a
Mandate – Reg 4(1)(a) Expected Outcomes Note to Trainer 8 2 10
Content:
This course starts with FICA and CPA The candidate must understand the following: This module contemplates training
compliance. on a practical level.
An explanation why a client is entitled to a) What to do to prepare for a first
an estimate of fees and disbursements. consultation with a potential client. Candidates must know what to do,
Reference to tariffs of fees and templates b) What are the basic compliance why we do and how to do it.
for making fee assessments. requirements?
How to prepare for a first consultation. c) How to carry out the first An assessment of the candidates
How to conduct a first consultation. interview or consultation. will take place through both
How to contextualise a client’s problem. d) How to go about taking formative and summative
How to arrange follow up consultations. instructions. How to obtain the assessments.
The importance of first obtaining all the relevant facts.
relevant facts. e) Techniques in carrying out a Candidates will have to score a
STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020
How to obtain relevant documentation. consultation. minimum of 50% to pass an
How to listen to a client without f) An understanding of applied assessment.
interrupting. research, as opposed to academic
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How to ask relevant questions to bring research.
out the facts. g) How to use the available research
How to structure questions. Why leading tools. How to do research in an
questions must be avoided. effective and efficient manner.
Minimum contact hours
Assignments
Notional hours
No. 43192 115
When to write letters and when not to
write letters.
How much detail to include in a letter
116 No. 43192
and what type of detail.
An introduction on how to carry out legal
research.
Where to find the law.
How to find the law quickly.
How to use annotations effectively.
How to use electronic Law reports.
What is meant by: “the best statement of
the law is to be found in the most recent
decision of the highest court.”
2 Plain Language Writing and Expected Outcomes Note to Trainer 8 3 11
Analytical Thinking – Reg 4(1)(b)
Content:
A sensitive assessment of English The ability to write well is an essential skill. The module is extremely important:
language competency needs to be done. The following is expected of candidates: an effort has to be made to improve
What is plain language writing: why a) Candidates must write in plain literacy skills amongst candidates.
plain language is relevant to lawyers: English on their own. They must Principals and pupil masters must
and, how to achieve writing in plain not become slaves to precedents. be aware of their roles in this.
language. b) After the PVT contract is An experienced English teacher
GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
A short course on writing skills to cover completed, there must be a must present the plain English
grammar, syntax, sentence construction, demonstrable improvement in the writing module.
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punctuation and vocabulary. candidate’s literacy skills. The module must have writing and
Assistance with comprehension skills. c) During PVT contracts, candidates reading assignments from the
Introduction of a compulsory reading must be encouraged to develop a outset: one book per month.
programme. All candidates are required culture of reading and writing. Principals and pupil masters must
to read at least one book, of their own d) Candidates must demonstrate the monitor candidates from the outset.
choice, per month throughout the period ability to write as a lawyer without Assessment of writing skills needs
of the PVT contract. Principals and pupil sounding like one. Candidates to take place throughout the PVT
masters must ensure compliance. must not use jargon or “legalese”. contract.
Candidates must be encouraged to write e) Candidates must understand how The final assessments will include
on their own without copying and pasting to approach a legal problem. They the ability to write.
from office precedents. must grasp that the facts are the Experienced practitioners (at least
most important: only then should seven years’ experience in practice
Problem Solving one consider the law. or a comparable level of expertise)
An explanation of how to analyse a legal f) An understanding of how to gather must explain the concept of how to
problem. the known facts and analyse them understand a legal problem: how to
How to think like a lawyer. is an essential skill. analyse and contextualise the
How to apply logic. g) The candidate must understand problem. Then follows the method
How to find solutions to legal problems. that first the facts have to be of finding answers for a client with
Critical thinking: obtained, then the matter can be reference to the facts and the law.
What is critical thinking? contextualised as to the area of the Writing involves thinking. There is
How to apply critical thinking. law that is applicable. a method in this. Candidates must
The object is to develop application of h) Candidates have to understand that apply their minds before putting
cognitive skills. any legal solution must be pen to paper. This must be taught
How to apply the law to the peculiar supported by the facts of the case. during the first month of the PVT
facts of one’s case. contract.
NB: Candidates cannot expect to
Facts first: law second. pass exams and assessments if they
are unable to write properly due to
poor literacy skills.
3 Drafting Legal Documents – Expected Outcomes Note to Trainers
STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020
Pleadings and Motions – Reg 4(1)(c)
Content: Candidates will know the following: Note: for this module we expect the
Managing Fact: a) Candidates must understand the skills trainers to have at least 7 to 10
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a) How to obtain relevant facts. listed in the content column. They are years of practical experience or a
b) What are the sources of fact. not expected to be expert drafters comparable level of expertise in all
c) Obtaining documents including already. areas of dispute resolution and
electronic documents. How to preserve b) Candidates must be able to recognise litigation in particular.
documents. the procedures and be able to assist in
d) Obtaining witness statements. dealing with cases under the When assessing assignments, assist
e) Carrying out in loco inspections supervision of principals and pupil by correcting the faults and ask the
if necessary: how to record the evidence. masters. candidate to redraft; in this way
No. 43192 117
f) How to obtain and preserve c) Candidates will be subjected to both there will be some skills transfer.
relevant exhibits: what exhibits are. formative and summative assessments.
g) The explanation above is required d) Candidates will know how to analyse
118 No. 43192
before any papers are drafted. three sets of affidavits in motion Remember to explain managing
matters. facts before allowing candidates to
Analysing Fact. e) Candidates will know how to grasp start drafting pleadings.
a) Candidates must understand what to findings of facts on affidavits,
do after gathering the facts. including the Plascon-Evans test. Explain that the sequence of facts
b) Candidates must learn, at the outset, f) Candidates will know how to bring an forms the crux of chronologies
to sequence all the facts and interdict [as part of the case studies]. needed in terms of Directives in
documents. many Courts.
c) Candidates must be able to analyse
facts on the basis that only relevant
facts must be retained and presented
at a hearing; only facts that are
admissible, in terms of the rules of
evidence, can be relied on. Further,
candidates must understand that any
version of facts they intend to rely
on, must be probable in relation to
the circumstances of the case.
d) Candidates must learn, early in their
careers, that they cannot go to court
GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
with a version that is improbable or
implausible.
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e) Candidates must be able to work out
that there are facts which support
their own client’s version of what
actually happened; and that there
will be facts that do not support their
client’s version.
f) Candidates must understand that
carrying out such an analysis is the
only way for lawyers to understand
the facts of their client’s case.
g) Merely reading witness statements
and documents is of no value. Nor is
it of any value merely to accept a
version on the basis that “those are
my instructions”; one must carry out
an objective fact analysis first.
Working out the case concept (or theory
of your case)
a) What happened according to your
client’s version of the facts?
b) What are the issues, factual and
legal, that emerge from the facts?
c) What are you going to tell the judge
at the hearing?
d) What version are you going to
present in your papers?
e) How will you present evidence?
f) Who will be the witnesses and what
documents will you need?
STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020
g) How will you run the case from
pleadings to final argument?
h) This process has to be applied
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before any papers are drafted.
Working out the cause of action or
defence
a) There must be a comprehensive
explanation, using case studies, of
how one takes a set of facts and
works out what your client’s cause
No. 43192 119
of action or defence is. Look to the
case concept and the applicable law.
Do not draft papers without first
120 No. 43192
undertaking this step.
b) Candidates must understand the
meaning of the elements of one’s
cause of action or defence and where
and how to find those elements in
the peculiar facts of your case and
with reference to the law.
c) Candidates must know how to
recognise and formulate a cause of
action and defence before any
drafting commences. Emphasise the importance of
d) The object is for candidates to drafting pleadings without using a
understand this method instead of precedent.
consulting a precedent first.
Deciding what procedure to use Action /
Application We recommend using case studies
a) Candidates must understand the test to assist candidates to understand
whether to proceed by way of action the test whether to proceed by way
or motion. of motion or action.
GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
b) Candidates must understand the
main differences between actions
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and applications.
c) Refer to the Uniform Rules of Court
and practice directives.
d) What is meant by a dispute of fact:
how does one test a set of facts? Explain a referral to evidence and a
e) Candidates must know what happens referral to trial. In each case use a
in court when an application cannot case study of how such referrals are
be adjudicated on the papers. drafted.
Drafting pleadings Emphasise that candidates draft on
(including how to get to your first rough their own without the assistance of
draft) a precedent.
a) Candidates must draft on their own
without the assistance of a precedent. Explain the method of drafting with
b) Candidates must read and understand reference to Rules 18 and 22 of the
rules 18 and 22 of the Uniform Rules. Uniform Rules of Court.
c) Candidates must know how to draft
particulars of claim and a plea. Use case studies to assist
d) Candidates must draft causes of candidates to draft all causes of
action in contract, delict, divorce and action.
unjust enrichment. The focus must be
on contract and delict. Assignments can be submitted on
e) Candidates must do assignments for e-learning platforms. Trainers must
formative assessments. assess each assignment.
f) Candidates must grasp the lay-out of
pleadings with proper paragraph Explain the lay-out of pleadings
numbering, appropriate spacing, font with proper paragraph numbering,
types, use of headings and point first appropriate spacing, font types, use
drafting. of headings and point first drafting.
g) No pleading may be vague: each
STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020
pleading must disclose a cause of Explain what is meant by a
action. pleading that is vague and one that
h) A plea must comply with Rule 22 of does not disclose a cause of action.
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the Uniform Rules. Bare denials are
not allowed. Candidates must plead Explain that in a plea there must be
their client’s version, which, if a response to the plaintiff’s facts
proved, will amount to a defence to and that evasive drafting is not
plaintiff’s claim. tolerated. They are not to draft bare
i) Candidates must be able to draft a denials without setting out their
Special Plea and to know when and client’s version.
how to draft a Special Plea.
No. 43192 121
Drafting Notices of Motion and three sets Explain a “Special Plea”, when it is
of affidavits used and how it is drafted.
122 No. 43192
a) Candidates must learn the different
types of notices of motion and when
each is used. This must include a
long form notice of motion, a short
form notice of motion and a Two-
Part notice of motion.
b) Candidates must know when and
how each of the three types is used.
c) Candidates must learn to draft Use case studies and get the
founding, answering and replying candidates to draft on their own.
affidavits.
d) Candidates must know the required Explain the purpose of founding,
lay-out of each of the affidavits with answering and replying affidavits.
reference to the requirements in the
Uniform Rules and directives. Online Drafting exercises and case
e) Candidates must know how to index studies will have to be completed.
and paginate court files.
4 Ethics for legal Practitioners – Reg Expected Outcomes Note to Trainer 6 0 6
GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
4(1)(d)
Content: a) Candidates will know the seven The content of the course must be
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A single contact session as well as Ethics universal ethical principles that apply uniform for all candidate legal
for Legal Practitioners needs to be to all professions. practitioners.
incorporated into the introduction to each
module recommended in this b) Candidates will know any specific rule Currently the regulations and the
programme. in the Code of Conduct that applies to Code of Conduct provide for three
any module. types of legal practitioner. So, the
Candidates must be aware of the ethical candidate must be aware of the
requirements for all types of practitioner. ethical requirements for all three.
Details of course content c) Candidates will be able to apply the
The seven universal ethical principles Code of Conduct applicable to all The summative assessment must be
branches of the legal profession, be it an open book exam. Candidates
The current Code of Conduct of 29 attorney, advocate or advocate with a must have open book access to the
March 2019: trust account. Code of Conduct and relevant
regulations during the assessment.
Section 3 of the general provisions in the d) All candidates will understand and
Code of Conduct requires attention. know the provisions of section 3. Candidates will answer questions
based on applying the Code.
Section 56 The scope and limits of e) All candidates will be able to apply
legitimate cross-emanation are section 56 of the Code when doing the
particularly important. Trial Advocacy programme and in the
summative assessment of the open
book exam.
Universal ethical principles
honesty The universal ethical principles text is from Only the seven ethical principles
trustworthiness https://www.iaa.govt.nz/for-advisers/adviser- set out in the first column must be
loyalty tools/ethics-toolkit/professional-ethics-and- memorised by rote.
respect for others codes-of-conduct/
adherence to the law
doing good and avoiding harm to others
accountability
STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020
5 Civil Procedure and Trial Advocacy We provide for six days of 36 6 42
– Reg 4(1)(e) training
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Content: Expected Outcomes Note to Trainers
There is a substantial overlap in the What follows is part of the Trial
Uniform Rules of Court and Magistrates’ Candidates must understand the process and Advocacy programme. For
Courts Rules. procedures in taking a matter to trial from purposes of this PVT programme
Candidates must have knowledge of the pleadings to hearing. we expect the various disciplines to
rules in both courts. The differences must be dealt with in a programme which
be highlighted. In particular the can be included within the high
difference in powers and functions The purpose is to ensure that candidates court and magistrates court practice
No. 43192 123
regarding the Magistrate’s Court. understand the practical steps required to be and procedure. The minimum hours
Candidates must be made familiar with taken and how to prepare for a trial. must be achieved. This course is
Practice Directives in both the High not to be confused with the five-
124 No. 43192
Court and Magistrate’s Court. Candidates will know how to set down a day advanced course that we
Candidates must know where to find the matter for trial. recommend for those practitioners
directives and how they are applied. who want to appear in court trials
and applications. That advanced
The following must be dealt with: course is dealt with separately,
Contingency Litigation: below. The instruction method is
What is contingency litigation and how practical: this requires the use of
to decide whether to take a matter on case studies. Advocacy is a
contingency? What are the rules and how performance skill: so, trainers are
to charge contingency fees? expected to give demonstrations.
What do courts say about contingency This can also be included in a moot
litigation? court programme.
Case management: Note to Trainers
What is Case Management, and how to Since instruction is of a practical
apply it in your practice and in court nature, trainers must use case
proceedings. studies so that candidates can
Candidates must learn that modern day actually carry out various tasks or
litigation is less adversarial and more see how they are done. The trainers
cooperative with the object being to for this module must have at least 7
GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
resolve disputes quickly and at a to 10 years’ experience or a
reasonable cost. comparable level of expertise in
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Candidates must know how to refer a dispute resolution.
matter to case management, the process
and procedures in case management. Instruction must be given about the
Certification: process and procedures in case
Candidates must understand how the trial management and certification
certification process works. In particular process: this must include attending
that a judge will require the parties to case conferences and certifications
agree and record the triable issue/s. with a judge.
Trial Preparation: Note to Trainer
Candidates must understand that there is Explain what is meant by “door
a duty on a practitioner to settle a matter settlements” and why our courts are
at any stage. The earlier the matter gets against them.
settled, the better. Explain the consequences of
making door settlements.
Candidates must acquire the following
skills:
* How to analyse pleadings.
* How to determine triable issues.
* How to limit the issues for trial.
* How to initiate case conferences Explain that the intended purpose
for certification and for trial readiness. of the pre-trial conference must be
* How to do pre-trial conferences, achieved; it is not merely a step
and how to draft the agenda. requiring compliance.
* How to carry out a proof analysis.
Candidates must understand what is Explain that once the issues are
meant by “proof of a fact” and how to settled, candidates have to consider
discharge the onus. how they will go about proving
* How to carry out witness and their client’s version.
documentation analysis.
STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020
* How to prepare chronology
documents.
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Discovery:
* Candidates must understand latest
Developments on how to obtain, preserve
and present relevant documentation
including Electronic Documents.
* Candidates must understand the
concept of narrow discovery and
proportionality.
No. 43192 125
* Candidates must know how to
prepare trial bundles. This must include
the importance of sequencing.
126 No. 43192
How to Attend Pre-Trial Conferences Note to Trainer
and Case Conferences. This will include an explanation of
* Candidates must understand the case conferencing with judicial
purpose of these conferences and how officers.
that purpose can be achieved. Explain how to prepare for a case
or pre-trial conference.
Trial Procedure
Requirement of practice notes for the
court. When are these notes expected to Explain the purpose of practice
be filed and what are the contents? notes.
The content
Before proceeding with this programme,
candidates must be made aware of their
Case Concept, how they intend to
proceed with the hearing and discharge
the onus.
* Witness briefing. Candidates
must know how to prepare a witness for
GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
court appearances.
* Opening Statement.
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* Leading a witness in chief.
* Cross examination.
* Re-examination.
* Presenting argument.
Note: this is part of the trial advocacy
programme. These skills will be split up
as separate modules which will be
incorporated into and presented as part of
the civil procedure programme. Different
instructors can be used.
Heads of Argument.
* When are heads required. Explain how a typical set of heads
* What is meant by “main heads of is laid out.
argument”.
* What are Short heads and
Comprehensive heads.
Note: candidates will not be expected to
draft heads in this programme.
6 Criminal Court Practice and Trial Expected Outcomes Note to Trainers 12 4 16
Advocacy – Reg 4(1)(f)
Content: Candidates will understand the process This module contemplates training
Candidates must know the peculiar involved in conducting a criminal matter, on a practical level.
requirements in a criminal trial thus: from obtaining the charge sheet to final So, avoid repeating the university
Course Content argument. lectures on criminal procedure.
* How to obtain and analyse the
charge sheet and docket. Candidates are expected to attend
* How to take instructions and criminal trials and bail applications
obtain your client’s version. in the Magistrate’s Court and High
STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020
* How to obtain witness statements Court during the duration of the
and ensure witness presence in court. PVT contract. Use case studies and
* How to do plea bargaining. demonstrate what happens in court.
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* How to do bail applications.
* How to plead effectively, The trial advocacy component can
including when to make a Plea be incorporated into the trial
explanation. advocacy training for the High
* How to attend trial and pre-trial Court.
conferences.
* How to cross-examine state
witnesses.
No. 43192 127
* How to present your client’s
version to a state witness.
* How to lead evidence in chief
130 No. 43192
including the decision to call your client.
* How to present argument
* How to present sentencing
options and evidence in mitigation.
Note: the court craft here will also be a
module of Trial Advocacy.
7 Insolvency practice – Reg 4(1)(g) 12 4 16
Content: Expected Outcomes Note to Trainer
How to bring an: The candidate will be able to: The course requires formative
Application for sequestration both: a) Draft a notice of motion for each assessments while candidates get
- Voluntary and type of application, be it used to drafting the notices of
- Compulsory liquidation or sequestration. motion and founding affidavits.
Liquidation and, b) Draft the founding affidavit for
Business rescue. each type of application so that the Summative assessments need to be
Application for Rehabilitation. allegations contain all the basic open book exams in the sense that
compliance requirements. candidates have access to the
Discussion of the relevant provisions of c) Understand the difference between Insolvency Act 24 of 1936, the
the Insolvency Act and Companies Act. friendly and voluntary applications Companies Act 71 of 2008 and
GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
Candidates must understand the effect of for sequestration. Chapter XIV of the Companies Act
a sequestration of a person’s estate and d) Understand the effect of 61 of 1973.
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the effect of the winding up of a juristic sequestration on the insolvent’s
person. Candidates are not expected to property. The summative assessment must
run meetings of creditors. That e) Find the applicable law concerning establish whether the candidate can
experience is gained inhouse while in the winding-up and liquidation of produce a valid application: it must
practice with senior lawyers. companies. not rehash the LLB degree.
f) Be able to apply the relevant
Blended learning: made up of contact practice directives.
sessions + online work.
8 Drafting of Contracts – Reg 4(1)(h) Expected Outcomes Note to Trainer 12 3 15
Content:
* General techniques in drafting a Candidates must understand that drafting a The emphasis must be on how to
commercial contract: contract involves much more than merely understand the transaction, then to
Obtaining instructions: reaching for a precedent. draft the provisions.
* The basic provisions for effective
contracts: Understanding the transaction is of vital There must be a critical method in
* The structure of a contract importance followed by due diligence. using precedents. It is not a mere
(international best practice): copy and paste exercise.
* How to use commercial
precedents. We recommend the use of a case
* How to draft the standard study which will become part of the
boilerplate provisions. formative assessment.
* How to draft transactional
provisions.
* Where relevant, questions of
basic compliance must be addressed.
* Introduction to due diligence.
9 Matrimonial Matters and Divorce – Expected Outcomes Note to Trainers 10 6 16
Reg 4(1)(i) This module must be presented by a
Content: Candidates must appreciate that all family law practitioner with 7 years or more
STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020
Taking instructions in detail. matters are dealt with differently. Our courts experience or a comparable level of
Advice on marriage and its consequences do not encourage adversarial litigation and expertise in all aspects of family
Ante-nuptial contracts expect the parties to cooperate towards a law.
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Advice on out of community of property reasonable settlement.
with or without the accrual system and The course requires formative
marriage in community of property These matters must be dealt with in a assessments while candidates get
Divorce and its consequences sensitive and sensible manner. Candidates used to drafting pleadings for
Drafting particulars of claim / defence. must be alive to this especially where minor divorce and Rule 43 applications.
Drafting Rule 43 Applications. children are involved.
How to settle matrimonial disputes Summative assessments need to be
outside Court. ADR in Family Law. The candidate must understand the following: open book exams in the sense that
No. 43192 131
Advice on rights and duties concerning a) How to carry out the first candidates have access to the
children in a marriage, including: consultation to get all the facts. Children’s Act 38 of 2005, and
Adoptive children: b) How to advise on marriage, ante- legislation like the Marriage Act 25
132 No. 43192
Step-children: and, nuptial contracts with or without of 1961, Recognition of Customary
Children in foster care. the accrual system, community of Marriages Act 120 of 1998, Civil
How to deal with custody of children. property and the consequences of Union Act 17 of 2006 and Divorce
The best interests of the child principle. marriage. Act 70 of 1979, and all applicable
Maintenance of children and, if c) How to advise on divorce and its practice directives and practice
applicable, former spouses. consequences. manuals. Emphasis must be on the
d) How to settle matrimonial disputes application of the law, not rote
A discussion on the judgement in outside Court and to introduce learning of statutes. 50% is required
Brownlee v Brownlee. clients to the idea of settlement to pass an assessment.
through ADR.
The duty of a practitioner in all family e) How to draft divorce particulars of One must assume that candidates
matters to resolve disputes quickly and claim or defence. dealt in their LLB with the law
cheaply. f) How to draft Rule 43 applications. relating to engagement, the contract
g) How to give advice concerning the of marriage, the formalities
Blended learning: made up of contact Children’s Act 38 of 2005, required for a valid marriage ito the
sessions + online work. especially the Hague Convention. Marriage Act, the Recognition of
h) How to work out maintenance for Customary Marriages Act and the
children, and where applicable, Civil Union Act.
former spouses.
i) How to enforce divorce settlement Likewise, one assumes the LLB
GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
agreements. dealt with the Child Care Act 38 of
j) Able to identify the principle in 2005 and the Divorce Act 70 of
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the Brownlee case. 1979.
10 Delictual Claims Including Personal 6 6 12
Injury Claims – Reg 4(1)(j) Expected Outcomes Note to Trainer
Content:
Delictual claims, including personal injury This module requires a trainer of
* How to gather & analyse the facts claims are an important part of any litigation more than 7 years of practical
before deciding on a cause of action. practice. experience or a comparable level of
* How to work out the cause of Candidates must know how to obtain the expertise.
action. facts, contextualise the matter and formulate a
It is important for trainers to point
* How to draft the cause of action cause of action with reference to the facts and
out that there are abuses that take
(particulars of claim). the law. place; such as the over-inflation of
* How to assess quantum. quantum.
* Candidates must be familiar with Candidates are expected to know that there is Candidates must avoid this and
the Uniform Rules of Court and practice a process of “certification” in court which where possible, settle the claim as
directives relating to these claims. case manages these claims from issue to soon as possible.
* Case studies on RAF claims and hearing. There should be no “door
medical negligence claims. settlements”.
* How and when to engage an In new directives, door settlements
expert and the case management of may require the legal practitioners
experts before the matter is allocated a to forego their fees or, worse, pay
trial date (case management process). the fees of the parties.
11 Legal Practitioners Accounts See Annexure “E” See Annexure “E” 30 6 36
Management – Reg 4(1)(k)
Note 01: The Legal Practice
See Annexure “E” Management course is currently
Old content: provided by LEAD and may be
* Cash book. undertaken at any time after
* Ledgers. completion of this course.
STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020
* Transfer Procedures. Note 02: this programme coupled
* VAT. with the current book keeping
* Section 86 (3) and Section 86 (4) exams requires urgent review.
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Trust Investments + Rules. Note 03: if an alternative
* Conveyancing Transactions. programme, such as the above
* Correspondents Transactions and recommendation, is approved; then
Accounts. this need not be an elective course
* Trust Banking Accounts. and can be of uniform application,
Note that the above is a decades’ old not only for attorneys and
programme, roundly criticised for not advocates with trust accounts.
serving any useful purpose.
No. 43192 133
It has become outdated and irrelevant.
Suggested reviewed programme:
134 No. 43192
First Module
* How to use accounting software.
* Comprehensive training on the
management of trust funds and trust
accounts – the rules and obligations.
* Thorough knowledge of Sections
86 to 91 of the Legal Practice Act.
* The rules and requirements of the
Fidelity Fund.
* Applying for a Fidelity Fund
Certificate.
Second Module
* How to manage the finances of
one’s practice.
* How to manage personal finance.
Third Module
* Introduction to Legal Practice
GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
Management
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12 Labour Dispute Resolution – Reg Expected Outcomes Note to Trainer 12 0 12
4(1)(l)
Content: The candidate will understand the following: The course requires formative
assessments while candidates draft
Industrial Relations Framework. a) How to conduct consultations to statements of case, notices of
Identification of an employee get all the facts, especially to motion and founding affidavits for
Permanent employees. obtain a balanced understanding of the Labour Court, and appeals to
Temporary employees. any dispute between the parties. the Labour Appeal Court.
Disciplinary Proceedings and Hearings. b) How to identify an employee.
Dismissals. c) How to identify temporary and Summative assessments need to be
Bargaining Agents, Forums and permanent employees. open book exams in the sense that
Collective Bargaining. d) How to identify the difference candidates have access to the
Dispute resolution. between temporary employees and Labour Relations Act, the Basic
Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995. independent contractors: Chapter Conditions of Employment Act,
Basic Conditions of Employment Act. IX of the LRA. and the Employment Equity Act.
Employment Equity Act 75 of 1997. e) How to draft a statement of claim
Rules for the Conduct of Proceedings in ito Form 2, Rule 6 Referrals of the The summative assessment must
the Labour Court (GN 1665 of 1996: Labour Court Rules. establish whether the candidate can
GG 17495 of 14 Oct 1996) f) How to draft applications ito Form produce a valid pleading: it must
Rules for the Conduct of Proceedings in 4, Rule 7 Applications of the not rehash the LLB degree.
the Labour Appeal Court (GN 1666 of Rules.
1996: GG 17495 of 14 Oct 1996) g) Whether a dismissal complies with
Chapter VIII and Schedule 8:
Code of Good Practice: Dismissal
NB: The LSSA Manual on Labour of the LRA.
Dispute 2019 is a mini textbook. This
manual will have to be revised.
13 Alternative Dispute Resolution – Expected Outcomes Note to Trainer 6 0 6
Reg 4(1)(m)
STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020
Content: The candidate must understand the following: The course requires formative
a) How to identify a conflict. assessments while candidates
Defining and understanding: - what is a b) The differences between negotiation, engage in case studies.
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conflict. mediation, arbitration and litigation.
Negotiation. c) The pros and cons of negotiation, Summative assessments need to be
Mediation. mediation, arbitration and litigation. open book exams. Candidates have
Protection of Investment Act 22 of 2015, d) When is mediation appropriate? access to the Arbitration Act, the
section 13. e) When does mediation not work? International Arbitration Act and
Arbitration. f) How arbitration differs to litigation. section 13 of the Protection of
Arbitration Act 42 of 1965 and the g) Is arbitration appropriate for organs of Investment Act 22 of 2015.
International Arbitration Act 15 of 2017. state that are audited by the Auditor General?
No. 43192 135
The role of ADR in litigation.
The LSSA Manual on Alternative
Dispute Resolution.
136 No. 43192
14 Wills and Estates – Reg 4(1)(n) 18 4 22
Content: Expected Outcomes Note to Trainer
Wills. The candidate must understand the following: The course requires formative
The Wills Act 7 of 1953 a) How to conduct a comprehensive assessments while candidates
The Trust Property Control Act 57 of consultation with clients before engage in drafting wills.
1988. advising on the law of succession
Drafting Wills. and drafting a will. Summative assessments need to be
Taking instructions, what one needs to b) How to draft a will. open book exams.
know to draft a will. Proper consultation. c) How to draft a living will.
The role of sound literacy skills. d) How to apply the Trust Property Candidates must have access to the
Interpreting (archaic) Wills. Control Act to trusts established in Wills Act, the Trust Property
Drafting Living Wills. a will. Control Act, the Intestate
Does the National Health Act 61 of 2003 e) How to apply the Intestate Succession Act and the Reform of
make provision for a living will? Succession Act. Customary Law of Succession and
Testate and Intestate Succession. f) How to apply the Administration Regulation of Related Matters Act.
Intestate Succession Act 81 of 1987. of Estates Act from reporting the
Maintenance of Surviving Spouses Act estate to the final liquidation and
27 of 1990 distribution account.
GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
Recognition of Customary Marriages Act g) How to apply the Estate Duty Act.
120 of 1998 h) Candidates must be familiar with
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Reform of Customary Law of Succession the other legislation mentioned in
and Regulation of Related Matters Act the first column.
11 of 2009.
Administration of deceased estates.
Administration of Estates Act 66 of 1965
Estate duty.
Estate Duty Act 45 of 1955.
15 Introduction to E- Commerce and
application of the Electronic
Communications and Transactions Expected Outcomes Note to Trainers 3 0 3
Act 25 of 2002, including the use of
electronic signatures – Reg 4(1)(o) This module is intended to introduce The trainer for this module must be
Content: candidates to the ever-changing world of an experienced practitioner who is
A discussion on the content of “ECTA”, digital technologies and how this impacts on routinely involved in digital
the Electronic Communications and the work of practitioners, how clients access commerce.
Transactions Act 25 of 2002. legal services and the impact on how
What is an electronic signature? How to contracts are drafted and concluded. This module will not be subject to
deal with these signatures in practice. any summative assessments.
What is an advanced signature and where It is important for candidates to understand
is it required in practice? what is meant by an electronic signature and
The effect of ECTA on drafting how this impacts on commercial transactions.
contracts, in particular “non-variation
clauses”.
The effect on business and legal practice
of the internet and cloud technology.
An introduction to Block Chain
technology and smart contracts.
Basic Business Transactions – Reg
STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020
4(1)(p) Expected Outcomes Note to Trainer
Content:
The seven main business transactions. The candidate must understand the following: Summative assessments need to be
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* Sale of business a) How to identify the seven main business open book exams.
* Sale of shares transactions. The instruction must focus on
* Lease of immovable property b) How to understand the peculiar candidates drafting their own
* Employment of an independent transaction client is engaged in. contracts without recourse to
contractor c) How to apply the general principles of precedents insofar as it relates to
* Partnership agreement contract from offer and acceptance to the transaction.
* Joint venture capacity and reciprocal obligations. Ensure candidates can understand
* Service level agreement d) How to negotiate, plan, draft and the difference between a sale and a
No. 43192 137
Good faith, public policy and legal administer a contract. lease: and, a partnership and a joint
certainty in drafting contracts. e) How to weigh key elements of the venture.
Performance and administration of contract like liabilities and debts, taxes, For a critical comparison of
138 No. 43192
business contracts. manageability and business growth with constitutionalism bringing potential
Remedies for breach of contracts. reciprocal obligations (rights and duties). uncertainty to contract law, see the
f) When and whether good faith is an article by Judge of Appeal Malcolm
NB. Responsible use of precedents is element of a contract: implied, tacit, Wallis ‘Commercial Certainty and
allowed. express or required by law – like case Constitutionalism: Are They
law. Compatible’ (2016) 133 SALJ 545.
Business Rescue – Reg 4(1)(q)
Content: Expected Outcomes Note to Trainer
Definition & purpose of business rescue The candidate must understand the following: Summative assessments need to be
Definition of financially distressed open book exams.
How to accomplish business rescue a) How business rescue in Chapter 6 of
Who may object to business rescue and the Companies Act is applied.
the grounds of objection? b) How to assess whether a company is Trainers need to discuss the pros
How an affected person applies to court financially distressed. and cons of business rescue and
for an order placing a company under c) The advantages and disadvantages of ensure candidates know the extent
supervision and commencing business business rescue generally. and effect of the moratorium on
rescue proceedings. d) How an affected person applies to legal proceedings and the
How a company may legally dispose of court to place a company under protection of the company’s
GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
its property while under business rescue. business rescue. property interests.
The order of preference of creditors e) What is the effect of such an order?
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when a company lacks money to meet its f) How to draft such founding affidavit. Candidates should know the
debts. g) How to draft an answering affidavit general powers of business rescue
against business rescue. practitioners.
Effects of business rescue on contracts: h) Who has preference in claims against
employees, shareholders and directors. the company under rescue? The rights and duties of the affected
Rights of employees during business i) The effect on contracts, employees, persons from employees, directors,
rescue. shareholders and directors. shareholders to creditors needs to
Participation by creditors and holders of j) Who has a right to participation in the be understood generally.
company securities. business rescue proceedings?
Requirements of a business rescue plan. k) The requirements of a business rescue Finally, the implementation of a
Implementing a business plan. plan. business plan must be understood
Consequences for failure to implement l) How a plan is implemented and the as well as the consequences for
the plan. consequences if it is not. default.
16 Constitutional law – Reg 4(1)(r) 6 3 9
Content: Expected Outcomes Note to Trainer
Introduction to Constitutional law and The candidate must understand the following: Summative assessments need to be
Customary law. For Customary Law see open book exams.
the online course below at item 20. a) How to conduct a comprehensive
Constitutional Law: consultation with clients before advising Candidates must have access to the
Jurisdiction of our courts to hear on the Constitution. Constitution, 1996 and the
constitutional matters. b) How to assess a constitutional issue. Constitutional Court Rules and the
The 2013 change to the jurisdiction of c) How to draft applications in terms of the Uniform Rules of Court.
the Constitutional Court. Rules of the Constitutional Court.
Introduction to the Rules and Directives d) How to draft applications for leave to
in the Constitutional Court. appeal to the Constitutional Court.
Eleven ways to get to the Constitutional e) How to explain and give clients advice
Court. about the remedies permitted ito the
STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020
Constitution.
How to enforce Constitutional rights.
How to advise clients about their
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Constitutional rights, duties and
obligations.
How to apply Chapter 2 of the Bill of
Rights and the limitations clause.
How to apply the rest of the Constitution
in giving advice to clients.
No. 43192 139
17 Legal Technology (Online) – Reg 0 6 6
4(1)(s) Expected Outcomes Note to Trainers
Content:
140 No. 43192
This module represents an introduction to the This module must be presented by a
This module is intended to introduce use of technology in a 21st century law practitioner in a practice that makes
candidates to the impact of technology practice. use of the latest technologies.
on legal practice. Trainers must impress on
Candidates must be aware of how a Candidates must understand how technology candidates that technology will
modern legal practice is set up and what has changed how consumers access legal constantly influence how we work
technologies avail practitioners. services. and serve our clients.
Candidates must be made aware of how Candidates must be encouraged constantly to There will not be any summative
technology has changed the way clients, keep up with the changes that flow from the assessments of this module.
or consumers, access legal services. This increasing use of technology in our practices.
must include how practitioners make use
of technology to market their firms and
remain relevant to their clients.
18 Introduction to practice 0 6 6
management (Online) – Reg 4(1)(t) Expected Outcomes Note to Trainers
Content:
This module is vital to candidates who seek This module must be presented by
The role of management eventually to open their own practices. an experienced practitioner who
GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
Organisational behaviour started his or her own practice from
Business plan scratch.
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Marketing
Financial management There will not be any summative
Administration assessments of this module.
Risk management
Personal management
Starting a practice
The attorney and insurance
19 Introduction to Cyber law (Online) Expected Outcomes Note to Trainer 0 6 6
– Reg 4(1)(u)
Content: Candidates will be able: Currently the cybersecurity course
a) to make adequate decisions about the is an online course.
Awareness of cyberattacks. technology required to sustain a
Protective risk management strategy. reasonable measure of cybersecurity Summative assessments are done
Data response plan. in the context of a law firm/practice, online during the course.
Chapter 1: Technology b) to have a good grasp of the
Chapter 2: Organisational processes organisational processes involved in a
Chapter 3: Staff training law practice to maintain adequate
Responsibility for personal/commercial cybersecurity, and,
information. c) to have an appreciation of what is
Specific cyber security tips. required to keep all staff in a law
practice, in particular – oneself – up-
The future of artificial intelligence as a to-date with the essential elements of
boon and a threat to legal practitioners. cybersecurity.
20 Customary Law (Online) – Reg Expected Outcomes Note to Trainer 0 4 4
4(1)(v)
Content: After having studied this study unit, Currently, the Customary Law
candidates are able to: course is an online course.
STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020
Customary law in the context of the a) explain the concept customary law
Constitution, 1996 b) differentiate between living customary Summative assessments are done
The anomaly of the Bhe decision (living law and official customary law online during the course.
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versus official customary law) c) differentiate between customary law
Marriages ito customary law – section 15 and common law
of the Constitution d) Analyse the significance of customary
Language and culture – section 30 of the law in relation to the Constitution
Constitution e) Give advice about customary law
Traditional leadership – ss 211 & 212 of marriages.
the Constitution f) Give advice about inheritance and
succession under customary law.
No. 43192 141
Social structure of indigenous g) Give advice about land and property
communities rights.
Succession and inheritance
142 No. 43192
Land and property rights
21 Numeracy skills training – Reg 0 6 6
4(1)(w) Expected Outcomes Note to Trainer
Content:
After having studied this study unit, Be patient with candidates. There
The numerical system candidates will be able to: is no exam for numeracy skills.
Basic symbols and terminology in a) understand Roman numerals and
mathematics writing and reading numbers; The trainer must be competent in
b) The windows calculator, the ordinary teaching mathematics to adults.
Using your calculator calculator and the scientific calculator;
Basic calculations c) Addition, subtraction, multiplication There will not be any summative
Order of calculations and division; assessments of this module.
Rounding off d) Rounding off, fractions and the
Substitution into formulae concept of the lowest common
denominator;
Introduction to fractions e) Adding, subtracting, multiplying and
Adding and subtracting fractions dividing fractions.
Multiplying and dividing f) Calculating interest and VAT;
Fractions, decimals and percentages g) Understand proportions, ratios and
GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
Percentage increase and decrease proportional allocation; and
h) Apportionment of damages.
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Value Added Tax and averages
Simple and compound interest
Proportional allocation
Introduction to ratios
Comparing ratios
Proportional allocation
Apportionment of damages
22 Legal Costs – Reg 4(1)(x) Expected Outcomes Note to Trainer 6 0 6
Content:
Section 35(4) of the Legal Practice Act After having studied this module, candidates Summative assessments may be
provides that the SALRC must will be able to: done online during the course.
investigate legal costs and report to the
Minister within two years. Until then the a) explain the concept of legal costs;
tariffs determined by the Rules Board for b) differentiate non-litigious matters and
Courts of Law apply. litigious matters;
In the interim the content of the module c) give a client an accurate estimate of
is as follows: the costs of a matter concerning fees
The concept of “legal costs” and disbursements to the sheriff,
non-litigious matters counsel and expert witnesses (if any);
civil litigious matters d) understand and apply the law about
Early advice to client and estimate of contingency fees;
costs e) understand the need to keep proper
Estimate of fees and disbursements accounting records;
Mandate f) understand the need to account to
Taking a deposit client in terms of the mandate between
Contingency fees client and attorney;
Retainers g) understand the different costs orders
Agreed fees and be able to explain the orders to a
Ethics in relation to costs client;
STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020
overreaching h) draw a bill of costs;
undercharging i) attend at taxation and give a useful
recovery / attempted recovery of and meaningful response to the Taxing
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costs for work not strictly Master on items in the Bill of Costs.
necessary
Keeping proper accounting records
Failure to render accounts
Different cost orders
party and party costs
attorney and client costs
attorney and own client costs
No. 43192 143
costs de bonis propriis
wasted costs
reserved costs / costs to stand
144 No. 43192
over
costs in the cause
costs of the day
all costs/costs/taxed costs
no order made / no order as to
costs
specific cost orders
Settlement agreements
Payments into court and tenders
Cost consultants
settling of bills of cost
formal requirements for taxation
notice of taxation
taxability of costs
appearance on taxation
interest on a taxed allocatur
consent to taxation
Review of taxation
GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
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OPTIONAL COURSES
The LPC will have to accredit institutions to provide the two options below. The LPC can anticipate applications for the options below. The
structured course work and the norms and standards appear below. These courses will be attended by practitioners as well.
23 Optional courses:
Expected Outcomes Note to Trainer
a) Advanced Trial Advocacy – 5 days (40 hrs)
This is a structured course as contemplated in The trial advocacy training will ensure that: The course requires formative assessments
Section 25 (3) (a) of the LPA and rule 19.2. while candidates engage in mock trials.
The programme must satisfy the requirement of a) Candidates appreciate and understand The trainer must identify the following six
40 hours, minimum. how to conduct trials with confidence steps during the training and require the
despite their natural nervousness when candidate to repeat the drill.
Advocacy is a performance skill. performing in court. 1. Headnote – a catchy phrase to
The course is divided into four parts: the first b) Candidates will be able to assess facts identify only one fault in the
two parts comprise theory: the last two parts are that are in their client’s favour and candidate’s performance.
performances in a mock trial situation under against their client’s case. 2. Playback – repeat exactly the phrase
supervision as indicated in the third column, c) Equally, candidates will be able to the candidate used which requires
notice to trainers. assess facts that favour the other improvement.
Part one, how to assess facts. Fact analysis. litigant in the case as well as facts that 3. Rationale – explain the nature of the
Part two, how to adopt a strategy for trial, aka a do not favour the other litigant. problem and why the performance
trial theory: a candidate will learn the essential d) Candidates will have a good grasp of needs improvement.
STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020
difference between a leading question (for use in the Good fact – Bad fact assessment. 4. Prescription – a clear pithy statement
cross-examination) and a valid question in The model assesses good and bad facts of how the performance can be
leading a witness (the who, what, when, where, for each party independently, first for improved.
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why, how and how much questions). the plaintiff and then for the defendant. 5. Demonstration – the trainer shows
Part three, performing in the mock trial as e) Candidates will be able to present an the candidate how to perform.
counsel for plaintiff and/or defendant: one day a opening statement. 6. Replay – then candidates immediately
candidate will be counsel for plaintiff, the next f) Candidates will be able to conduct an repeat the critical part of their
counsel for defendant et cetera. examination-in-chief using, inter alia, performance to show they have
Part four, cross-examination in a mock criminal the piggy-back or looping method. grasped the lesson. The replay must be
law trial: all candidates will practice this session. g) Candidates will be able to conduct short and to the point.
cross-examination in civil cases. The method requires all candidates to be
No. 43192 145
The theory and mock trial performances deal h) Candidates will understand that leading present for each performance. Learning is
with: questions are permissible ONLY in incremental and each candidate learns from
• Opening statement cross-examination. other candidates’ performances.
146 No. 43192
• Examination-in-chief i) Candidates will be able to conduct Candidates must also be witnesses in the
• Cross-examination (civil & criminal) cross-examination in criminal cases. mock trials while they are not performing as
• Re-examination (to be avoided) The core duty in criminal cases is to counsel in the mock trial. Accordingly,
• Final argument put the version of the accused to the candidates must read the trial exercises
witnesses for the State. Failure to do so carefully and have a thorough recollection of
NB: it is assumed that the candidates have an renders the accused at risk of being the role each witness plays in the mock trial.
adequate knowledge of the rules of court, the found guilty as charged. NB the trainers will be responsible for both
rules of evidence, how to draft pleadings and j) Candidates will understand why re- formative and summative assessments of the
heads of argument, and a good grasp of ethics. examination is not advised. candidates. The standard of such assessment
k) Finally, candidates will be able to must be approved by the LPC.
It is also assumed that candidates will read the present a coherent final argument at the At the end of the training a candidate must
trail exercises properly before attending the trial end of the trial. receive a certificate of competence in terms
advocacy course. of Rule 19.2.4.
b) Advanced drafting course – 5 days The Expected Outcomes Note to Trainers
Content:
Candidates must receive practical training in the Candidates are expected to have a working This module is an intensive course.
following skills: knowledge of how to draft.
GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
Drafting Pleadings Encourage candidates to write on their own
Candidates must receive training in the following An assessment must be made using an open from day one. We encourage the use of case
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disciplines: book format of examination combined with the studies. Give candidates a statement of fact
a) How to obtain the facts and documents; assignments completed during the course. and require them to draft particulars of claim
b) How to sequence the facts and documents; on their own and without the assistance of
c) How to contextualise the matter in law; This course must be done after the candidate precedents.
d) Where to find the applicable law; completed the course on plain English writing.
e) How to apply the law to the facts of the The candidate must also be part of the literacy Candidates are expected to draft particulars of
case; programme which requires the candidate to claim in Contract and Delict. Each effort must
f) How to work out the cause of action or read and complete one book per month. be assessed by a trainer and candidates must
defence. be encouraged to repeat the draft until they
get it right. This is time consuming and
Drafting skills trainers are to impress upon candidates that
With the use of case studies, candidates must they are expected to work long hours and at
draft the following: home to complete case studies.
a) Be able to write down the material facts of
the case; The trainer for this module must have more
b) Be able to recognise the material elements than 10 years’ experience or a comparable
of the cause of action or defence; level of expertise in drafting for litigation.
c) Be able to use this to prepare a rough draft
of particulars of claim’;
d) Draft particulars of claim with reference to
the Uniform Rules and practice directives;
e) Draft particulars of claim with reference to
the peculiar facts of the case;
f) Draft particulars of claim without reference
to precedents.
g) Be able to draft a plea with reference to the
Uniform Rules and practice directives;
h) Be able to draft a version setting out a
defence to plaintiff’s claim.
i) Candidates must be introduced into
drafting statements of claim and statements
STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020
of defence.
Motion Court Note to Trainers
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Candidates must learn the following skills:
This module requires trainers with at least 10
a) To assess the facts and the law to decide years of experience or a comparable level of
whether a matter may be dealt with in an expertise in drafting motion papers.
application rather than an action. When is a
dispute of fact not capable of being We recommend the use of case studies where
adjudicated on the papers? candidates must draft on their own under
b) To draft notices of motion; including long supervision of a trainer.
No. 43192 147
and short form notices as well as two-part
notices of motion. A notice of motion in We recommend that one of the case studies
search and seizure applications (Anton include drafting papers for an interdict.
148 No. 43192
Piller).
c) To draft a founding affidavit. This must This is an intensive course and requires
include the recommended layout in the intensive application by trainers. We therefore
Uniform Rules and practice directives. recommend that no more than 20 candidates
Candidates must learn how to set out the be accommodated per 5-day session.
cause of action and the supporting
evidence and be able to provide
justification for the order sought.
d) To draft an answering affidavit. The most
effective layout must be explained
including how to set out a version that will
answer an applicant’s case.
e) To draft a replying affidavit. It must be
short and only drafted if strictly necessary.
f) To know how to use annexures. Avoid
bulky documents and ones not strictly
necessary to support the deponent’s case.
g) Candidates must know how to apply the
Plascon-Evans test.
GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
Heads of Argument
Candidates must be familiar with the layout and
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method of drafting the different types of heads of
argument (concise heads; comprehensive heads;
main heads of argument (SCA) and written
argument (CC)).
The following must be in this module:
a) The typical layout of heads of argument;
b) The method to be used in Applications;
c) The method to be used in Trials;
d) The method to be used in Appeals and
Reviews.
e) Candidates must know how to draft
chronology documents to be filed with
heads of argument.
Candidates must know the relevant Rules and
practice directives; in particular regarding page
limitations and the prohibition of copying and
pasting from authorities.
Writing Opinions Note to Trainers
Candidates must learn how to set out and write It is recommended that candidates be given a
an opinion. simple opinion to write under supervision of
the trainer.
Course content
The following must be in this module:
a) The modern method of setting out an
opinion.
b) Understanding the question.
c) The need to answer the question and provide
recommendations.
STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020
d) An efficient approach to legal research.
e) How to write short opinions.
f) How to justify your position with reference
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to the facts and the law.
No. 43192 149
General notes for the Legal Practice Council
150 No. 43192
Candidate legal practitioners (candidates) must score a minimum of 50% to pass any assessment, formative or summative.
Some of the courses require experienced practitioners of at least seven to ten years’ experience in practice. However, practitioners with a
comparable level of expertise, despite having served fewer years in practice, are welcome to assist with the training.
Provision is made in the text above for trainers with comparable experience.
GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
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STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020 No. 43192 151
Annexure E
LEGAL PRACTITIONER’S ACCOUNTS MANAGEMENT
Current Curriculum Relevant Section in Recommendations
content Legal Practice Act
Chapter 1 – Introduction
Bookkeeping and Accounting Rule 54.6 – A Legal In light of Rule 54 is seems as if
Practitioner shall have the Legislature envisioned that an
and keep Business and attorneys firm should go further
Trust Account than to do the mere bookkeeping
transactions as are of transactions (as described by
necessary to enable the Rule 54.6.2) they should further
firm to satisfy its have accounting records which is
obligations in terms of the in line with IFRS and IFRS for
Act, these rules and any SME’s (Rule 54.6) and Records
other law with respect to showing all assets and liabilities
the preparation of (Rule 54.6.1). Practitioners need
financial statements that an understanding that there is a
present fairly and in reporting standard; but are not
accordance with expected to actually comply
Acceptable financial themselves. An accountant will
reporting framework in prepare the books accordingly.
South Africa
Rule 54.6.1. Records
showing all assets and
liabilities as required in
terms of Section 87
Rule 54.6.2 Records
containing entries from
day to day of all moneys
received and paid by it on
its own account
What is a Business? Section 34(5) This is still relevant and explains
that a Legal Practitioner can act
on their own account, as part of a
juristic entity, Law Clinic, Legal
Aid, State. It also gives the forms
of business enterprise for the
previously known “Advocates”.
Difference between owner and In this section we might take the
Business opportunity to introduce the
Personal Finance Management
as suggested and perhaps
include budgets, cash flow
forecasts on a personal finance
level. This will also reduce the
risks associated with maintaining
Trust Accounts.
The Bookkeeping Process This is still very relevant and must
be included in the curriculum as it
explains the double entry
bookkeeping system.
The Cash Book Rule 54.6.2 for recording This is the starting point of all
Day to day transactions; Cash transactions and must be
Rule 54.8 Keeping Trust explained to students
and Business accounts
separate
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152 No. 43192 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
Annexure E
LEGAL PRACTITIONER’S ACCOUNTS MANAGEMENT
Balances Brought Down This is the balancing of T-
Accounts and will have to be
explained to students to get an
understanding of what is balance
of an account at the end of the
month. The current teaching of T-
accounts is outdated and must be
replaced with a more modern or
relevant accounting system such
as Excel using a debit and credit
column.
Debit and Credits This also needs to be explained
as students will have to complete
the double entry bookkeeping
system which started with the
Cash book.
Chapter 2 – Cash Book Rule 54.6.2 ; Rule
54.14.13, Rule 54.14.14
Basic cashbook principals, This is still very relevant as this is
recording transactions the first leg of the double entry
bookkeeping system and the
starting point of writing up
transactions where movement of
money is involved.
We would however like to see
that the notes make mention of
the different types of deposits that
we get, for example credit cards,
perhaps discuss the do’s and
don’ts for cell phone banking,
electronic payments and banking
apps etc. Instead of cheques.
Balancing of cash books Still relevant
Bank reconciliation statements Still relevant for purposes of
and Supplementary Cash books understanding why one needs to
do this. But needs to be revised in
the light of available software.
Extracting a list of Trust Creditors Rule 54.15.1, Rule This is very important to ensure
54.14.8 that you always have enough
money in your Trust Account to
cover your liabilities towards
clients. The current notes have to
be revised to emphasise the
importance of this.
Chapter 3 – Petty Cash
How to record petty cash This is still being used in practice
and students should know how to
implement internal controls to
manage petty cash correctly.
They require the theory.
Chapter 4 – Journals
Chapter 6 – Transfer Journal
and Transfer Procedures
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STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020 No. 43192 153
Annexure E
LEGAL PRACTITIONER’S ACCOUNTS MANAGEMENT
Transfer journals Rule 54.14 Internal This is an important aspect of
Controls- Rule 54.14.12 attorneys bookkeeping as the
Trust moneys will now be
transferred into your Business
account and could create a Trust
deficit if you are not careful.
Trust Journals How to deal with Trust errors and
with transactions where money
should be transferred from one
client to another within the
practice
Fee Journals Section 35 Fees will become even more
important as we move forward
under the LPA. Section 35
(which is not in effect yet) will
prescribe tariffs for attorneys.
Further we need to also include
contingency fees and the
practical working thereof under
this heading. (Section 35(12))
We would also like to see a
section on time management and
the recording of time as a Legal
Practitioner as well as how to
deal with your time on Pro-Bono
matters.
Chapter 5 - Ledgers As these are the books of
secondary entry, the practitioners
need to understand this process
to give effect to the double entry
bookkeeping system and therefor
this should also be kept in the
curriculum.
Chapter 6 – Transfer Journals
(as discussed under Chapter 4)
Chapter 7 – Value Added Tax This is still a very relevant topic
and should be included in the
curriculum as it also goes hand-
in-hand with fees as well.
Chapter 8 - Investments Section 86(3); section Investments on behalf of the
86(4) and Section 55 LPFF and for the client’s benefit
should still be discussed in detail
and we would put a little more
emphasis on the theory aspect
thereof as well. Further with
regards to Section 55 Investment
Practices, I think we should
discuss this in more detail in the
notes and especially the FAIS
requirements thereof.
Chapter 9 - Conveyancing This is still a very relevant and
important part of attorneys’
practices and also the area where
there is a lot of risk involved. The
practical writing up of the
accounts are still relevant as well
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154 No. 43192 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
Annexure E
LEGAL PRACTITIONER’S ACCOUNTS MANAGEMENT
as the theoretical aspect thereof.
We intend to include due
diligence for purposes of
transferring funds and making
payments to client. Avoids fraud.
Chapter 10 – Correspondent Code of Conduct; Part III This will still need to be
Transactions Conduct of Attorneys; addressed in the notes however
Rule 12 Sharing of fees; the notes have to be amended to
Rule 14 Payment of reflect the current practice in
commission; Rule 19 appointing correspondents. In
particular Practitioners need an
understanding of how fees and
disbursements are managed
when a correspondent is
engaged. Fee sharing and
payment of commission as well
as pro-bono work should be dealt
with under this heading.
Chapter 11 - Theory This chapter in the current
curriculum discusses the theory
surrounding all of the above,
however we find that students
hardly ever go through this
chapter in preparation for the
exam. We would prefer if the
theory is included in the relevant
sections before the practical
writing up of the books are done
for the specific topic.
Our Remarks 1. In our view the content of
the curriculum is still very
relevant to the Legal
Practice act and complies
with the Act and rules.
2. It is our opinion that the
current notes should be
modernised and maybe
be reorganised to some
extent to get the students
to buy into the fact that
practitioner’s accounts
management is still
relevant for purposes of
conducting a practice.
We further propose the 3. It is further our opinion
following be dealt with: that the Assessment
method should perhaps
a) Trust and Business be changed. We would
concepts and the suggest that the written
understanding thereof, exam should place more
which includes the emphasis on the theory
identification of Trust and part of the curriculum
Business funds, and then there should
transactions and ledger be an online assignment
accounts. where students should
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STAATSKOERANT, 3 APRIL 2020 No. 43192 155
Annexure E
LEGAL PRACTITIONER’S ACCOUNTS MANAGEMENT
b) The concepts of Value, write up a set of books
(money, goods and in Excel by recording
services). transactions as per case
c) Accounting for study which would be
disbursements. provided.
d) Accounting to clients. This can be part of the
e) The trust reconciliation formative assessment.
statement.
f) Compliance with the Act
and Rules.
g) Personal Injury and
accident claims matters.
h) Administration and
collection matters.
i) Litigation (high court and
magistrates court)
matters.
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156 No. 43192 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 3 APRIL 2020
Annexure F
APPEAL
AGAINST THE DECISION BY THE LEGAL PRACTICE COUNCIL
NOT TO GRANT THE APPLICANT ACCREDITATION AS A TRAINING INSTITUTION
Name of Appellant (Applicant):
Date of application for accreditation:
Date of decision by the Legal Practice Council:
Attach the reasons given by the Legal Practice Council:
Attach the grounds for the appeal:
Date and signature of receipt by the Appeals Committee:
Appeal case number allocated upon receipt:
The Appellant (Applicant) will receive the decision of the Appeals Committee within twenty
business days of the receipt of the appeal by the Appeals Committee.
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