Candidate Attorney (Litigation)

You'll do your articles at a legal aid office in Cape Town CBD and learn the practice from the ground up. It's the kind of job where doing the basics well every day gets you noticed.

The work is in Cape Town CBD, Western Cape, so you'll need a reliable way to get there every day. There's a probation period of three months before the contract is confirmed.

• Research case law and legislation on SAFLII and Juta or LexisNexis
• Record your time on the practice management system every day
• Appear in the magistrate's court on postponements and unopposed matters
• Study for the LPC competency-based examinations alongside the work
• Issue and serve documents at the magistrate's court and High Court
• Prepare trial bundles and discovery affidavits
• Prepare affidavits and notices of motion for your principal to review

• Ready to sign a practical vocational training contract registered with the LPC
• LLB degree from a South African university
• Willing to work late before trials and filing deadlines
• Proficient in Word, Outlook and legal research databases
• Clear criminal record, as required for admission
• Code B driver's licence and a reliable car for court runs

• Moot court or legal clinic experience
• Completed PLT (Practical Legal Training) at a law school
• Second official language used by the firm's clients

• Paid PLT course fees at some firms
• Mentorship from an experienced principal
• Travel allowance for court runs

• Put your LLB, university and graduation year at the top, and your average mark if it's above 65%.
• Attach a short legal writing sample; firms judge candidates heavily on drafting.